Law Officer Volume 5 Issue 5 On April 4, just two weeks after four police officers were slain in the line of duty in Oakland, Calif., three police officers, Eric Kelly , Stephen Mayhle and Paul Sciullo II , were killed in a shooting in Pittsburgh.
At approximately 7 a.m., Officers Mayhle and Sciullo responded to a 9-1-1 call for a domestic disturbance between a mother and son in the Stanton Heights area. Upon arrival, they approached the front door and were ambushed by the suspect, who opened fire, killing both officers.
Officer Kelly, who was off duty and returning home after his shift, heard the call and responded to the scene. The suspect, who was firing an AK-47 from the window of his home, shot Officer Kelly as he exited his vehicle and attempted to aid Officers Mayhle and Sciullo. Despite being mortally wounded, Officer Kelly was able to call in the shooting and direct responding officers to the location.
According to the Pittsburgh Police Bureau, the suspect was armed with several guns and protected by a bullet-resistant vest. He “engaged responding patrol and SWAT officers in a gun battle, in which over 100 rounds were fired. After a four-hour standoff in which he was shot several times in the legs and vest, the suspect surrendered. He was arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated homicide and assault.”
Two other responding officers were wounded in the incident: 15-year veteran Officer Timothy McManaway, who sustained a gunshot wound to his hand, and four-year veteran Officer Brian Jones, who sustained a broken leg while attempting to assist the fallen officers.
Paul Sciullo II, 37, had joined the police bureau about two years ago. He was the first officer to enter the home and was shot in the head. He is survived by his parents, two sisters and his fiancée.
Stephen Mayhle, who had just celebrated his 29th birthday the day before, also joined the Pittsburgh police about two years ago. Mayhle, the second officer to enter the home, was also shot in the head. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, his parents and two brothers.
Eric Kelly, 41, was a 14-year veteran of the department. He had just finished working the overnight shift and was on his way home when he responded to the shooting. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, his mother and a sister.
For more information on line-of duty deaths, visit www.odmp.org.
Sources: http://odmp.org; www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/police/html/lest_we_forget.html; and www.legacy.com/obituaries/jsonline/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=125721601.
National Memorial Candlelight Ceremony
Can’t be in D.C. May 13 to see the Candlelight Vigil in person? This year’s vigil will be videocast live online for the first time ever. Now you can experience it wherever you are. Read about how and sign up to watch at http://nleomf.blogspot.com.