Sgt. Sean Gannon’s accused killer returns to court for pre-trial hearing

YARMOUTH, Mass. — The man accused of killing Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon was back in court for a pre-trial hearing on Tuesday.

We are now learning more about what happened the day Gannon was shot and killed while serving a warrant at a Marston Mills home back in April of 2018.

Thomas Latanowich, of Somerville, had allegedly been hiding in the home’s attic when the shooting occurred and then barricaded himself inside for more than an hour before he was arrested.

The warrant for his arrest was issued after Latanowich missed a visit from a probation officer and failed to show up for a drug test the week prior to the shooting. 25 Investigates uncovered Latanowich’s long history of being armed and dangerous.

Latanowich’s attorney is asking the judge to dismiss the case, arguing his client is charged with first-degree murder but says there is no evidence the crime was premeditated.

Barnstable Police Detective Lieutenant John Murphy testified about how he negotiated with the suspect.  

“He said if he was going to surrender, he wanted to see his two-year-old daughter and I told him that I couldn’t, that [it] was impossible,” said Murphy. “I wasn’t going to bring a two-year-old [to the scene].”

Police did however bring his child’s mother to the scene.

Murphy told the court how he worked to build her trust.  

“So I took my St. Michael’s medal off and I told her to extend her hand and I put it into her hand and I told her to close her hand and pray that I have strength and courage and wits to convince Mr. Latanowich to surrender without hurting anyone,” said Murphy.

Latanowich finally surrendered, but only after Gannon was fatally wounded and his K-9 Nero was seriously hurt.  

Gannon’s family was in court on Tuesday and listened to the testimony. 

The judge will hear more testimony in the motion to dismiss request next month. A trial is expected to take place in the fall.  

Cox Media Group