A coroner's inquest is set for Thursday in the death of a Latrobe man during a 17-hour standoff in 2013 that left a state trooper injured and paralyzed part of the city.
Evidence will be presented during the formal inquiry to determine who fired the shot that killed Scott M. Murphy, 46, on July 19, 2013, and whether the use of force was justified. Investigators have not said whether Murphy died of a self-inflicted gunshot or if his fatal wounds were caused by bullets from state police weapons.
The hearing, which is open to the public, will begin at 9 a.m. in the Westmoreland County Courthouse annex.
Attorney John Griener will preside as hearing officer and will issue a final report. Approximately 10 witnesses are expected to testify. District Attorney John Peck will act as counsel to the coroner.
Police were trying to arrest Murphy in connection with a pharmacy robbery on July 18 when he refused to leave a Lloyd Avenue home. The next day, Murphy and the state police Special Emergency Response Team exchanged gunshots on two occasions when the team stormed the home. Officials have said Murphy died from “at least” two gunshots.
A woman accused of providing Murphy with stolen firearms police said he used during the standoff is scheduled for sentencing March 10.
