11/10/2024 UPDATE:

The trial, originally scheduled to begin on December 2, 2024, has been delayed due to a scheduling conflict with the defense, as they are handling another case in federal court. Despite the state’s objection to this delay, the judge has the discretion to make the final decision and has chosen to reschedule the trial. As a result, it is now likely that the trial will not begin until June 2025.

Our confidence in the justice system has been deeply shaken. A delay of nearly four and a half years before trial seems extreme, especially considering the already significant ten-year gap between the crime and the arrest. Such prolonged delays increase the risk of evidence degradation and weaken the reliability of witness memory, further complicating the search for truth. The emotional impact on Zack’s family is profound, as we continue to live without resolution and without answers to questions that have haunted us for years. This ongoing delay feels both cruel and unfair.

For those who have been following Zack’s story and supporting our family, we ask that you continue to stand with us. If you feel moved to do so, please consider reaching out to local officials, victim advocacy groups, media or even writing letters to the court to express concern about these delays. Justice delayed is justice denied, and with your support, we hope to bring more attention to the importance of timely and fair proceedings in cases like this.

Thank you for standing with us as we navigate this difficult journey.

10/21 UPDATE:

As the trial gets closer there’s been a lot of inquiries about attending parts of the trial. It will be open to the public so those interested can come. Be aware seating is on a first come first serve basis and we expect that the court room will be full and it will fill up fast. 

The Trial is still scheduled to begin around 9am – December 2, 2024 at Providence Superior Court (250 Benefit Street, Providence, RI) and run through the week of December 9th. 

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Three years after an arrest in the murder of Zackary Marshall, Jason Lopes will be facing a jury trial in Providence Superior Court in front of Judge Daniel Procaccini.

The trial, State of Rhode Island v. Jason Lopes, is set to begin on December 2, 2024.

This will occur two weeks from the 14th anniversary of Zack’s death and three weeks from Christmas. It will be difficult, but we remain hopeful that this long and devastating chapter of justice will bring peace. The month of December, which is supposed to represent a time for joy, hope, and gratitude, instead symbolizes the single worst night for so many of our lives. Year after year, there is a constant reminder of the missing seat at our table. To have this date fall so close to such a significant anniversary gives us strong faith, like every December since 2010, that Zack will be with us.

In the meantime, we will fight to be strong enough to withstand the justice system and its process. It’s an unforgiving process for victims and their families—cruel, actually. As if 13 years of this reality haven’t been cruel enough, but we have made it this far. We stand in faith, respect, love, and trust as a family, believing that we will move through this together with the support of the community that has been with us all this time.

As we understand it, the trial is open to the public. Those who wish to attend can.

See you all in December.