Jury Selection Begins For Man Accused Of Killing Sgt. Sean Gannon

YARMOUTH, MA — Jury selection began Monday for the man accused of killing Yarmouth police Sgt. Sean Gannon and wounding his police K-9.

Thomas Latanowich, 32, of Somerville, was charged with first-degree murder, mistreating a police dog and seven other charges in connection to the shooting and death of Gannon on April 12, 2018. The jury selection for his trial at Barnstable Superior Court is expected to take about a week, with 50 potential jurors being called each day. Testimonies are slated to begin Monday.

Authorities said Latanowich shot Gannon while him and six other officers were serving a warrant at a Marstons Mills home. Gannon and his Police K-9 Nero were searching the attic when Latanowich opened fire, according to Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe. A standoff ensued and Latanowich surrendered after about two hours, O'Keefe said. Authorities said Latanowich also shot Nero in the face and neck, though the dog survived.

Latanowich has a criminal record that includes more than 100 charges, many of which have been dismissed. His lawyer, Joseph Krowski Jr., argued last year his client should be facing involuntary manslaughter or second degree murder charges, rather than first degree murder.

Krowski said the grand jury pool was "poisoned" by information about Latanowich's lengthy criminal past, NBC 10 Boston reported.

One of Latanowich's most recent arrests was in December 2016 when police said he stalked a man and stabbed him in Hyannis. His record also includes a variety of drug and assault charges.