Slaying trial opens in Pittsburgh officer deaths

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A prosecutor says a Pittsburgh man on trial for allegedly killing three city police officers had an AK-47 assault rifle among other weapons when he fired on officers who thought they were responding to a routine domestic dispute.

Deputy Allegheny County District Attorney Mark Tranquilli says 24-year-old Richard Poplawski’s mother called police when she and her son argued at her home in April 2009.

Knowing police were coming, Tranquilli says, Poplawski donned a bulletproof vest and grabbed his weapons. He’s accused of killing the first 3 officers to arrive, prompting a three-hour standoff.

Poplawski’s attorney tells the same jury that prosecutors are trying to inject emotion into the case by referring to the officers as “fallen heroes” and Poplawski as a “coward.” She’s urging the jury to listen to facts.