Man found guilty of killing 3 officers

PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania man was found guilty yesterday in the 2009 killings of three Pittsburgh police officers who responded to his mother’s 911 call about an escalating argument. The jury deliberated for more than three hours before returning the verdict against Richard Poplawski, 24. He was found guilty of all 28 counts he faced, including first-degree murder in all three killings. About 50 Pittsburgh police officers lined the hallway outside Allegheny County Judge Jeffrey Manning’s courtroom and burst into applause when Deputy District Attorney Mark Tranquilli emerged. Poplawski did not comment as he was taken from the courtroom, and the judge ordered his mother, Margaret, removed as well after she stood up. Manning said he was concerned she was about to create an outburst. The trial enters a phase in which the jury will hear evidence about his mental state, background, and other factors before determining if Poplawski will be sentenced the death penalty or life in prison without parole.