MA Lawmaker: Reinstate Death Penalty After Officer's Killing

BOSTON, MA — A Massachusetts lawmaker is calling for the state to reinstate the death penalty in response to the killing of a Yarmouth police officer last week. Officer Sean Gannon was shot and killed by career criminal Thomas Latanowich in Barnstable Thursday, authorities said. Latanowich, who has 125 criminal charges, also shot Gannon's police dog, which survived, authorities said. Latanowich was charged with murder.

State Representative Shaunna O'Connell, a Taunton Republican, told Boston 25 Massachusetts is "soft on crime."

"We need to send a message to criminals that 'you kill law enforcement officers you are going to get the death penalty,'" O'Connell told the news station.

O'Connell said her fellow lawmakers should bring back the death penalty, which was banned in Massachusetts in 1984.

Yarmouth police are also pushing for tougher sentencing for repeated offenders like Latanowich. Police said the court system "failed" in the case.

Governor Charlie Baker said he supports the death penalty for those who kill police officers.

"The Commonwealth is blessed to have courageous men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every day," Baker said in a statement.

Should Massachusetts bring back the death penalty or keep it banned? Share your view in the comments.

Previous:

• Cape Cod Police Officer Gunned Down
• 'The Massachusetts Criminal Justice System Has Let Us Down'
• Accused Massachusetts Cop Killer Pleads Not Guilty
• Shot Cape Cod Police Dog Recovering, 'Standing Strong'
• Obituary: Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon

Lead photo: Yarmouth police Officer Sean Gannon. (Credit: Yarmouth Police Department)