Jury selection starts in Hamilton manslaughter trial over Lopez death

Jury selection opened Monday in Guilford County court for the criminal trial of former Greensboro police officer Matthew Hamilton, who faces a manslaughter charge in the November 19, 2021, shooting death of Joseph Lopez on Cloverdale Drive. The proceedings represent a high-profile test of local law enforcement accountability and city liability for use-of-force incidents.

According to courtroom testimony and evidence schedules, officers had been serving warrants at the property earlier that week. Lopez was found inside a shed and, prosecutors say, did not comply with repeated commands to exit. Body-worn camera footage played for investigators includes Hamilton saying he “saw something in his hand” immediately before firing. Hamilton later surrendered to authorities, was relieved of duty, and a grand jury returned an indictment in June 2022.

The criminal case follows a separate civil resolution: Lopez’s family reached a $1.75 million settlement with the city in a related civil suit. That settlement underscores the fiscal and reputational consequences municipalities face when police actions result in death, even as criminal liability is adjudicated separately.

Court administrators asked prospective jurors to consider mask use because of the ongoing flu epidemic, though jurors were allowed to remove masks while speaking. The health advisory reflects continuing public-health considerations for in-person civic processes and could affect courtroom logistics, juror comfort, and attendance over the life of the trial.

The trial will put several institutional practices under scrutiny: how warrants are executed, the tactics officers use when encountering someone in confined spaces such as sheds, the role of body-worn camera footage in reconstructing encounters, and the timing and transparency of disciplinary and criminal processes following officer-involved shootings. For Guilford County residents, these issues touch daily concerns about public safety, police training, and how municipal leadership balances liability exposure with policing priorities.

The case is likely to affect public trust regardless of the verdict. Civil settlements signal a municipal willingness to resolve claims but do not substitute for criminal adjudication or for policy changes that address community concerns. The trial also presents a civic moment: court proceedings are public, and juror participation remains a direct way for residents to engage in the justice process.

The takeaway? Follow the court docket, pay attention to the evidence the state presents, and use this moment to press local leaders on police policy, oversight, and transparency. Our two cents? Stay informed, consider attending hearings when possible, and let elected officials know what reforms you want to see so that public safety and accountability move forward together.