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ME office scientist returns to stand in trial against man accused of killing Penn Hills officer

PITTSBURGH — A scientist from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office is expected to return to the stand Monday in the trial of a man accused of killing a Penn Hills officer.

Deputy District Attorney Mark V. Tranquilli said Robinson killed Danyal Morton in a Penn Hills home over a $500 drug debt, and when Robinson left the house, he fired at Crawshaw — the first officer to respond to the shooting — 13 times, striking him twice.

"Mike Crawshaw's car was made into Swiss cheese by that AK-47," Tranquilli said.

Prosecutors played for the jury a recording of the 911 call Morton made while hiding from Robinson in a bathroom.

Two voices were heard on the recording arguing over $500 — the caller was heard aying, "I have your (expletive) money," and "Black, I have your money, Black." Soon after at least four gunshots rang out.

Tranquilli said Robinson's nickname is "Black" and Morton "nailed his killer" by providing police with an investigative lead.

Tranquilli and Assistant District Attorney Robert Shupansky plan to call more than 60 witnesses, including Crawshaw's parents, James and Linda Crawshaw; his brother, Matthew Crawshaw, an officer with Northern Regional police; and multiple Penn Hills and county police officers. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks.

The courtroom was packed with family members, police officers and others interested in the case.