Man found guilty of second-degree murder of Yarmouth Police officer, sentenced to life in prison

BARNSTABLE, Mass. — Thomas Latanowich, the man accused of killing Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon in 2018, was found guilty of second-degree murder Friday following a jury deliberation. A few hours later, Latanowich was sentenced to life in prison, where he will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years.

Jurors on Thursday were deadlocked on one of seven charges facing Latanowich, that of mistreatment of a police dog. Jurors deliberated into the third day but ended Thursday’s court session without a verdict.

Dara Gannon, widow of murdered Yarmouth Police Sgt. Sean Gannon, delivers victim impact statement

On Friday, Latanowich was also found guilty of aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm without an FID card, possession of ammunition without an FID card, and mistreating a police dog.

Latanowich will serve his time at MCI - Cedar Junction in Walpole.

The family of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon released a statement shortly after the verdict was reached Friday morning, saying:

“Our family would like to express our sincere thanks to the District Attorney’s team that prosecuted this case and to all of the Court staff that provided support and kindness, and who assisted us throughout this very difficult process. In addition, we are profoundly grateful to the Yarmouth, Barnstable and Massachusetts State Police Departments, and all law enforcement members who have exceeded our expectations in the way of care and compassion to our family. While we are disappointed in the verdict, the fact remains that our Sean is dead. We are completely grateful and extend our heartfelt thanks to the many members of our communities that have reached out to our family in myriad ways throughout these past three years. Their support has been the steel in our spine: you will never be forgotten.”

—  The Family of Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon

Latanowich testified in his own murder trial for the first time Monday. He was accused of shooting and killing Yarmouth K9 Officer Sean Gannon in April of 2018.

“Were you intending to kill a police officer?” the defense attorney asked Latanowich on Monday as he took the stand.

“Absolutely not,” he replied.

Latanowich said he didn’t realize he shot an officer that day. He said he was hiding under insulation in the attic of a home in Barnstable and thought the person who entered the house was someone he had a previous dispute with. Latanowich admitted to firing his gun, but he said he didn’t know who he shot at.

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“The gun went off twice?” prosecutors questioned Latanowich Monday.

“It did,” Latanowich replied. “And one shot hit Officer Gannon in the forehead?”

“I believe so,” Latanowich said.

Shortly after he fired two shots, Latanowich said he found K9 Nero injured, and then he noticed the officer surrounded by a lot of blood. Police were trying to arrest Latanowich on a warrant that day. Prosecutors went through evidence of text messages he sent right after the shooting.

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“There’s another text you sent: ‘I already shot him, it’s too late,” prosecutors said. “You certainly knew you shot a police officer then, didn’t you?”

“Again, I assumed. It was at that point after I possibly heard [Officer] Van Ness [say] ‘officer down’ and nothing was concrete,” Latanowich said.

The defense rested its case Monday and closing arguments began Tuesday.

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