Another Guilty Verdict Handed Down In Murder Of NYPD Officer Peter Figoski
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - A third man has been convicted of murder in the December 2011 death of an NYPD officer.
The mother of policeman Peter Figoski held her hands over her mouth and cried Wednesday as Kevin Santos, 32, was found guilty of burglary and second-degree murder, Newsday reported.
Figoski's parents and two of his daughters were in the courtroom to hear the verdict be read.
About two dozen officers applauded the prosecutors outside the Brooklyn courtroom.
Another Guilty Verdict Handed Down In Murder Of NYPD Officer Peter Figoski
Santos faces up to 25 years to life behind bars when he's sentenced June 20. Santos' lawyer said he will appeal.
Figoski was shot as officers interrupted the robbery of a drug dealer.
Figoski responded to a 911 call as part of a backup team, and was shot in the face when he came down the narrow basement steps.
Prosecutors said Figoski, who was undercover, never even drew his own weapon.
The resident of West Babylon, Long Island and 22-year veteran of the force was promoted to detective after his death.
The two other defendants were convicted of murder at separate trials.
Last Friday, Nelson Morales, 29, dubbed the mastermind of the robbery, was convicted of second degree murder and burglary. He also faces 25 to years in life in prison at sentencing.
The gunman who killed Figoski, Lamont Pride, was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison back in February.
Pride's alleged getaway driver, Michael Velez, was found not guilty of first- and second-degree burglary. Velez said he didn't know he was driving the men to a robbery.
A fifth suspect, Ariel Tejada, testified against the others as part of a plea deal that gave him a lesser sentence.
More than 15,000 mourners turned out for Figoski's funeral.
Figoski is survived by daughters Christine, Caitlyn, Caroline and Corrine. More than $600,000 was raised for a scholarship fund to help pay for their education.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
