Stephen Mayhle

Stephen Mayhle was one of three police officers shot and killed on April 4, 2009, while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Stanton Heights, Pennsylvania. After hundred of shots were fired in a four-hour stand-off, the 23-year-old suspect, Richard Poplawski, surrendered to police and was taken into custody. Mayhle was the second officer to enter the house where Poplawski had barricaded himself, and was shot in the head. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.philly.com: Officers shot in Pittsburgh neighborhood standoff (April 4, 2009)

At 7:00 a.m. EST on April 4, 2009, officers Stephen Mayhle and Paul Sciullo III responded to a domestic disturbance call in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Stanton Heights. When they arrived at the Poplawski residence, they were greeted by 23-year-old Richard Poplawski, who immediately opened fire, shooting both officers in the head. A third officer, Eric Kelly, had responded to the call as he was finishing his shift and went to help his fallen comrades. The 14-year-veteran was shot and killed as he tried to aid his fellow officers.MSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)

Poplawski kept police at bay for four hours as the fallen officers bled to death. During that time 100 gunshots were exchanged, and Poplawski, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot multiple times in his legs. He eventually surrendered to police and was taken into custody and charged with three counts of homicide, a weapons charge and aggrivated assault.MSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)