1st-Degree Murder Convictions in Cop-Killing Case

Defendants could face death penalty

Eric Floyd and Levon Warner could face the death penalty after being found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges in the case of the shooting death of Philadelphia Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski.

The jury's decision was announced Wednesday afternoon.

The verdict on the first-degree murder charges as well as various other charges against Floyd and Warner could mean the death penalty.

Neither 35-year-old Floyd nor 41-year-old Warner fired the shots that killed 39-year-old Liczbinski, but prosecutors pursued the death penalty anyway because their robbery led to the crime.

Investigators say Liczbinski was pursuing Floyd, Warner and a third man, Howard Cain, following a May 2008 bank robbery in Port Richmond. When the suspects couldn't shake Liczbinski, authorities say they stopped and Cain fired on Liczbinski, killing him. Cain later died in a shootout with police.

Warner was the accused getaway driver and Floyd was charged with handing the weapon used to kill the officer to Cain, according to the district attorney's office.

Liczbinski's family didn't speak after the verdicts were read but Philly's leaders did.

"I look forward to the day when those two gentleman once again hook up with Howard Cain in hell," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.

"At this time, our focus is on Sgt. Steve Liczbinski and his wife and family," said Mayor Michael Nutter. "Nothing that has happened today can take away the pain and anguish all of us have felt since May 3, 2008 when Steve was assassinated."

"My prayers and thoughts are with Steve’s wife, Michelle, and their children Matt, Stephen and Amber and their families. We’ve lost a hero and a good man who for 12 years served the public with honor, bravery and fidelity."

The sentencing phase of the trial will begin Monday morning. A jury will decide between life in prison or lethal injection for both Floyd and Warner.


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