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Jury finds man accused of shooting Pittsburgh officer guilty on all counts

PITTSBURGH — Channel 11's Alan Jennings reported Monday afternoon that a jury found a man accused of shooting a Pittsburgh police officer last year in Homewood guilty on all counts.

James Hill was sentenced to 30 to 61 years.  Hill, now 25 years old, will be 55 years old when he's eligible for parole.

Hill was also fined $185,000.

In an unusual move, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge David R. Cashman sentenced Hill about an hour after the jury gave its recommendation. A pre-sentence report had already been completed.

Hill's family members said they will appeal.

Hill was charged with attempted homicide, assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and gun and traffic violations.

Dash cam video and dramatic radio calls were played in court last week against the accused gunman.

Prosecutors said the 25-year-old shot Pittsburgh police Officer Morgan Jenkins in a wooded area between Apple and Chaucer streets in Homewood on April 11, 2012.

Jenkins was shot twice in the gunfight. One bullet grazed his left arm. Another damaged his spine. He is paralyzed from the waist down.

Jurors heard Wednesday that when backup officers arrived, police radio was crackling with pleas for help for their fallen brother.

"Forget the actor.  Officer down needs medic," was heard in the radio calls.  "Code 3 medics.  Red ball. Red ball."

When officers learned one of theirs was down, squad cars from all over the city drove to the scene.  One officer scouting the scene averted a second officer from being shot, police said.

"The actor is still shooting," someone said in the radio call.

Jenkins chose not to speak as he left the courtroom in a wheelchair Wednesday.

Hill's sister told Channel 11 News that she was really disappointed with the verdict. She said that she thought her brother wasn't guilty.

WPXI

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