“We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for the love and support you’ve shown our family during this challenging time. We hold onto the hope that by sharing Zack’s story, we can find some solace, hope, and justice for him.

The photo below is all we have left of Zack as a father, as he was taken from us just a few short weeks after they were taken. The pain and heartache from this tragedy have persisted for 12 1/2 years, with so many unanswered questions. Jason Lopes is now free to return home, sleep in his bed, enjoy a home-cooked meal, read his daughter a bedtime story, and, most importantly, embrace his mother and father. One person’s choices and actions have robbed us of these simple joys.

For those of you who know us as a family, you are aware of our loving, hardworking nature and our commitment to our community. Had Jason Lopes stopped that night and come forward to tell us he felt threatened, had consumed too much alcohol, or acted in self-defense, we are forgiving people. We wouldn’t be in the situation we are today. Instead, he chose to cover up the truth, along with three other individuals, and roamed free in society for 10 1/2 years. What message does this send to our youth and the Central Falls community? We implore everyone to cherish their children, offer a prayer for our family’s peace, and act with kindness rather than hate.

We love you, ZJM.”