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Judge To Rule In Former Officer's Son's Death

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A judge will rule on Wednesday whether a veteran police officer should be held responsible for the death of his 5-year-old son.

The little boy accidentally shot himself with his father's loaded service weapon.

During Tuesday's proceeding, Sherrin Thompson became overcome with grief. She fell forward and split her lip on a chair in front of her.

A little over a year ago, he was a police officer with Port Vue and Lincoln Borough.

Their lives were changed forever when their son, Gavin, died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Nov. 26, 2010, with his father's .45-caliber service revolver.

A couple of months ago, Sherrin spoke with KD Investigator Marty Griffin, questioning why there would be a trial. She said the situation was an awful accident.

During closing arguments, the defense attorney said John Thompson would gladly give his life for Gavin's and that this incident has ruined him and his family.

The prosecution said 700 rounds of ammunition were near the gun and that he knowingly endangered the welfare of his children.

According to Griffin's sources, even if he is convicted, there is a strong possibility he will not spend time in jail. If he is convicted, he will not be allowed to carry a gun again or to serve as a law enforcement officer.

The judge is expected to have a ruling at 10;30 a.m. Wednesday.

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