Life Without Parole most likely sentence
POA Staff Report
The fleeing robbery suspect who smashed his stolen auto into the radio car driven by Officer Nick-Tomasito Birco on July 26, 2006 has been convicted of First-Degree Murder. Officer Birco was responding to the area of the felony evasion when the collision occurred. He subsequently died from the traumatic injuries he sustained in the crash.
The incorrigible felon is 24-year-old Steven Petrilli. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is due for sentencing later this year. Two other accomplices who were passengers in Petrilli’s car are awaiting trials for murder. Assistant District Attorney Eric Fleming aggressively prosecuted the case. The trial lasted four weeks, and a sensible San Francisco jury deliberated two days before reaching their guilty verdicts. Petrilli was found to have committed first-degree murder, second-degree murder, four robberies, vehicular manslaughter, felony evading, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
Well done, jurors! Kudos, Mr. Fleming!
Officer Birco was assigned to Bayview Station on the night of his death. He was a 6-year veteran of the SFPD.
