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A Duncannon teen is now facing federal charges following the weekend murder of a Philadelphia police officer.
19-year old Levi Swigart is accused of trading his mother's gun for crack. That gun ended up in Philadelphia at the scene of a cop killing. Now, Swigart could get life in prison. He's alreday being held in the Perry County Jail on theft charges.
Duncannon residents Bridget and Amanda used to be friends with Swigart. They say because he wasn't directly involved in the officer's murder, he shouldn't face a possible life sentence.
"I don't think he deserves what they could potentially give him because like I said, that's just crazy. His sentencing is going to be insane if he gets life. He didn't do anything. All he did was sell a gun. That's bad but he should get in trouble for that. That's it," they said.
But other community members think the potential punishment fits the alleged crime.
"The theft of a firearm by itself is very serious. The theft of a firearm in exchange for drugs is even more serious. I think the results of violent crime and a death, whether it was a police officer or not is absolutely inexcusable," said Duncannon Mayor Kraig Nace.
Wednesday night, Philadelphia police apprehended a third suspect in connection with Sergeant Stephen Liczbinski's murder. 33-year-old Eric Floyd was taken into custody. Officers used the slain sergeant's handcuffs to make the arrest.
"Sergeant Liczbinski's handcuffs were on the suspect. I think that's something that's very important. I think it brings a lot of comfort to officers and I think it just a way to pay tribute to the slain officers," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.
Meanwhile, some state leaders are calling for the reinstatement of the federal assault weapons ban. The weapon used to kill Sergeant Liczbinski was believed to be an assault rifle.
"Make it a crime to carry an assault weapon. What do you need a 30 bullet magazine for? Not needed to hunt or to protect your home, there's no reason to have them unless you want to kill and mane a lot of people at the same time," said Governor Ed Rendell.
A fund has been set-up to help Sgt. Liczbinski's wife and three children. Donations can be mailed to:
THE LICZBINSKI FAMILY MEMORIAL TRUST FUND.
POLICE AND FIRE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
901 ARCH STREET IN PHILADELPHIA, 19107.
Sergeant Liczbinski's viewing will take place Friday morning. Then, in renewal of an old tradition, his casket will be transported to his funeral in a horse-drawn caisson.
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