Eric Guy Kelly, a 41-year-old male police officer of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, tragically died on April 4, 2009. Officer Kelly was off-duty and returning home after his shift when he responded to a call for assistance at a domestic disturbance in the Stanton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Officers Stephen Mayhle and Paul Sciullo had already been shot and killed by the suspect, Richard Poplawski, who was firing an AK-47 from his home.
As Officer Kelly exited his vehicle to aid
his fellow officers, he was mortally wounded by gunfire from the suspect. Despite his injuries, Officer Kelly managed to call in the shooting and direct responding officers to the scene. He was pulled from the line of fire by other officers, but succumbed to his wounds at a local hospital. Officer Kelly had served with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police for 14 years and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
The suspect, Richard Poplawski, was armed with several guns and wearing a bullet-resistant vest. He engaged responding patrol and SWAT officers in a four-hour standoff, during which over 100 rounds were fired. Poplawski was eventually arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated homicide and assault. He was sentenced to death on June 28, 2011.
Officer Kelly is survived by his wife and three daughters. His death was a significant loss to the Pittsburgh community and the law enforcement family. He is remembered for his bravery and dedication to serving and protecting the community.
