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Sentencing For Hitcho Set

The penalty phase in the trial of convicted cop killer George Hitcho is scheduled to begin Monday in Northampton County. The jury already decided Hitcho, 46, is...

The penalty phase in the trial of convicted cop killer George Hitcho is scheduled to begin Monday in Northampton County.

The jury already decided Hitcho, 46, is of guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting of Freemansburg police officer Robert Lasso.

It took a jury only 35 minutes Thursday to decide Hitcho was guilty, rejecting his claim of self defense.

Prosecutors succeeded in proving to the jury Hitcho intended to kill Lasso back on August 11.  The officer was called to Hitcho's home because Hitcho and a neighbor were fighting.

Evidence showed Lasso was hit by a shotgun blast from behind. 

Hitcho's attorney admitted his client killed the officer, but added it was not a premeditated act, and therefore, not a case of first-degree murder. The jury disagreed.

At the close of the hearing, that jury will have to decide if Hitcho deserves the death penalty. 

If all twelve jurors cannot agree, Hitcho goes to prison for the rest of his life.

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