Convicted Cop-Killer Poplawski Receives Stay Of Execution

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The man convicted of killing three police officers in Stanton Heights appeared in court this afternoon.

As he was led into the courthouse, Richard Poplawski declared, "Let's Go Pens!"

Officers Eric Kelly, Paul Sciullo and Stephen Mayhle were ambushed while responding to a domestic disturbance.

Today, Poplawski, who was sentenced to death for killing those officers, appeared before a judge to discuss his legal options.

Poplawski claims he had ineffective counsel and wants all charges against him to be dismissed.

"Mr. Poplawski had filed petitions on his own behalf so the judge needed to hear today if he either wants to proceed by himself without a lawyer or whether  he was willing to accept court appointed counsel," said attorney Lean Semantic.

As the families of the murdered officers looked on, Poplawski accepted the appointed counsel and it was announced that his execution would be stayed.

"You can't execute someone while he has pending appeals and he has more appellate options," Semantic said.

Poplawski had previously been scheduled to be executed on March 3. Two years ago, Gov. Tom Wolf placed a moratorium on the death penalty.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter