Internet slams Oregon transgender killer as they smirk on being sentenced to 22 years for stabbing cabbie
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
PORTLAND: In a chilling courtroom scene, Moses J Lopez, 30, who identifies as a transgender individual, smirked callously as the grieving family of Reese Lawhon, 43, a cab driver fatally stabbed last year, learned the fate of their son's murderer.
The twisted suspect was sentenced to 22 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful use of a weapon. The sentence, given by Circuit Judge Heidi Moawad, was a compromise compared to the initial second-degree murder charge Lopez faced.
Timeline of Reese Lawhon's tragic fate
The gruesome incident unfolded when Lawhon, a 43-year-old driver for Radio Cab in Portland, picked up Lopez underneath a highway overpass in East Portland around 6.40 pm, April 9, 2023, according to The Oregonian. The tragic mistake, stemming from a wrong address given to the 30-year-old's apartment, set off a chain of events that culminated in the fatal stabbing.
As details emerged during Wednesday's sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Lopez, a certified nursing assistant at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, had called 911 seeking a ride home after a night of partying in downtown Portland. The Radio Cab dispatcher, allegedly providing the wrong destination address, contributed to the confusion.
The situation escalated when Lawhon arrived, and Lopez, after confirming the correct destination, changed the address upon arrival. The ensuing confrontation led to Lawhon being fatally stabbed as the cab headed to the correct location.
Moses J. Lopez's lack of remorse leaves grieving family without closure
Lopez, displaying a lack of remorse, refused to take responsibility during the hearing, stating, "I refuse to apologize for the lack of help that I so desperately needed." Despite addressing Lawhon's family, the suspect fell short of issuing a direct apology for the murder.
“I want you to know that I accept the way that you feel. I am sorry for what happened and I am sorry that you lost someone you loved. I hope that someday something can bring you peace to your soul,” said Lopez.
The cab company, Radio Cab, expressed strong disapproval of Lopez's excuses, with spokesperson Darin Campbell calling them "disgraceful." Their attorneys attempted to justify their client's actions, citing a tough upbringing on the Oregon coast, a troubled childhood, and allegations of being a victim of violence.
Reese Lawhon, remembered as a caring and talented individual, was eulogized by his family as "the most caring, witty, loving son, brother, uncle, and dear friend you could possibly imagine having."
Netizens furious over convict Moses J. Lopez's lack of remorse
In the wake of Lopez's shocking behavior during the sentencing for the fatal stabbing of cab driver Lawhon, public sentiment has taken a sharp turn towards outrage. A user tweeted, "I mean, this guy is a real JERK!" Another said, "Hopefully he won't last long in prison." One user claimed, "Wicked." "They/them’s be wildin’," read a tweet.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
