Accused Cop Killer From Somerville Takes Stand In His Own Defense

BARNSTABLE, MA — Thomas Latanowich's murder trial in the 2018 death of Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon continued Monday, with the accused cop killer taking the stand in his own defense.

Gannon was shot while he and six other officers were serving a warrant at a Marstons Mills home on April 12, 2018. Prosecutors say Latanowich opened fire on Gannon and his K-9 Nero while they were searching the attic, shooting Gannon in the head and hitting Nero in the face and neck. Nero recovered from his injuries.

During his testimony on Monday, Latanowich said work was being done on a nearby house, and he could only hear nail guns when officers entered the home. He told the jury he was confused and unable to hear the officers calling out to him, WHDH reported.

A man working at the construction site testified last week, according to the network..

"I was going back and forth to my truck for about 20 minutes or so and there was nothing," Richard Cazeault said. "Then, as I was walking towards my truck, I heard a pop."

A forensic scientist testified she found bloodstains on a stack of money at the scene of the murder and gun residue on Latanowich's hands.

Prosecutors say officers warned Latanowich they were coming in, making multiple announcements as he was hiding in the attic. They also say evidence presented during the trial will prove Latanowich is guilty of committing the murder with deliberate intent, WHDH reported.

Latanowich has pleaded not guilty and has been held without bail since his arrest.

Haley Cornell (Patch Staff) contributed to this report.