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Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge John Zottola dies

Texas grand jury takes no action against man who killed church shooter A Texas grand jury declined Monday to indict a church security guard who killed a man captured on video shooting two congregants. (Marilyn Nieves/E+ / Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH — Longtime Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge John Zottola has died, according to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Stephen Zappala issued the following statement about Zottola’s death:

“My wife Mary and I offer our deepest sympathies to Marie and their children. My friendship with John Zottola goes back decades to our days as classmates at Central Catholic High School. John’s death leaves a tremendous void not only on the bench, but also in our community. There is no doubt that his work leading Veteran’s Court has saved a large number of lives and assisted in putting veterans, who have given so much to this country, on the path to recovery. John took the time to know everyone who appeared before him and when he addressed defendants, he always sought to encourage them to make a positive change not only for themselves, but for their family and friends. John was first and foremost, a loving husband and father, as well as a dedicated and passionate jurist. I, along with the rest of this courthouse, will miss him deeply.”



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