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Police Officers React To Poplawski Death Sentence

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A man convicted of killing three Pittsburgh Police officers was sentenced to death Tuesday night.

After the verdict was read, more than 100 police officers cheered for the jurors and Judge Jeffrey Manning in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse.

As the families of the slain officers exited the building, the officers stood silent at attention.

Deputy Police Chief Paul Donaldson said he thought the slain officers were now resting in peace. He also said he was sure they were applauding the verdict.

Commander RaShall Brackney stood in the line and lives in Stanton Heights.

"This event changed each and every one of our lives in a way that is probably not able to be articulated in words today. But, just the physical showing up of each and every one of us said more than anything any of us could have said here today," Commander Brackney said.

While the jury deliberated, Poplawski was at the defense table fidgeting with his chair, leaning back and tapping both of his feet on the floor.

The judge polled all of the jurors individually and they all agreed on the death penalty.

He will be formally sentenced in September.

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