Accused Cop Killer's Attorney Argues Cape Trial Unfair

YARMOUTH, MA — An attorney for the man accused of killing Yarmouth police Sgt. Sean Gannon argues he cannot get a fair trial on Cape Cod. Thomas Latanowich, 32, has pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges in Gannon's death.

Latanowich, a Somerville resident at the time of the killing, is accused of shooting Gannon and his K-9, Nero, in the attic of a Marstons Mills home on April 12, 2018. Gannon was among a group of officers who raided the home to arrest Latanowich on a probation violation.

Latanowich's attorney says he will not receive a fair trial on the Cape due to the high-profile nature of the case, WHDH reported. A Barnstable Superior Court judge set a trial date for August.

Investigators believe Latanowich was hiding behind insulation in the attic and shot Gannon and Nero after Gannon removed it. Latanowich then disassembled the gun and threw bullets in the toilet as officers closed in on him, police said.

Latanowich ultimately surrendered to police. Gannon, who was shot in the head, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Nero recovered from his injuries.

Police described Latanowich as a career criminal with over 100 charges on his record.