Inquest finds troopers' use of deadly force justifiable in Anthony Gallo shooting

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Washington County Coroner's Office ruled Monday that two state troopers' use of deadly force in an October confrontation was justified.

Anthony Gallo, 34, died of multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, and the manner of death was homicide, the office found after an inquest.

"He refused clear commands to drop weapons and made a significant step toward a trooper," the office said. Deputy Coroner Steve Toprani presided after Coroner Timothy Warco recused himself because the trooper who shot Gallo has family that works for the county and the coroner's office.

PREVIOUS STORY: Family says man 'wasn't himself' before he was shot, killed by police

The district attorney's office played audio recordings from the two troopers who responded to the call at Gallo's trailer after Gallo's mother called 911, saying he needed mental help.

"They didn't give Anthony a chance to put that knife down," Betty Gray said, adding she wanted her son placed under a 302 hold.

One trooper was armed with a taser, the other with a semiautomatic rifle. Both officers had drawn their weapons.

"'Show me your hands,' we were screaming it," one trooper said. "Looked like a 4- to 5-inch blade in his hand. Rifle was already at the ready, no time to switch to something else. I was in fear of my life. He never let go of that knife."

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The troopers said Gallo said "shoot me" three or four times as he ran to the back of the trailer.

Another trooper, who trains officers on use of force, testified with professional certainty that he believes deadly force was justified and there was an immediate threat of death toward the troopers.

Gallo family attorney Noah Geary was upset he isn't allowed to question or call any witnesses.

"The police did nothing to deescalate the situation or techniques prior to the use of deadly force," he said. "The troopers -- who are not here -- said Gallo said, 'Shoot me, shoot me.' That is a cry for help. This was a mental health situation."

After the shooting, state police said the call came in as a man wielding a knife, acting erratically and threatening neighbors, and troopers hadn't known if anyone else was in the trailer.

Cox Media Group