Man Charged with Shotgun Killing of Pa. Cop Eligible for Death Penalty

The man facing trial for fatally shooting a Freemansburg Borough (Pa.) Police officer in the head, while the officer was attempting to subdue his two dogs, is eligible for the death penalty.

George Hitcho has been charged with homicide in the Aug. 11 shooting of Officer Robert Lasso. On Monday, Chief George Bruneio testified that Hitcho told investigators Officer Lasso was attempting to break into his home.

At about 5 p.m. that day, Officer Lasso responded to a 911 call that someone was trying to break into the home of one of Hitcho's neighbors. Chief Bruneio instructed his officer to TASER Hitcho's two barking dogs, when he saw the officer struggling with the animals.

The chief then heard a gunshot, and saw his officer fall to the ground in the pool of blood. Hitcho came out of the home, holding a shotgun pointed in the air. The chief then ordered him to drop the weapon, and he complied.

Source: The Morning Call

Related: Slain Pa. Cop Had Pointed Stun Gun at Attacking Dogs