WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Following the conviction of a man who shot and killed two Westerville police officers, the chief of police released a statement, noting this week had been “emotionally brutal” for the department.
On February 10, 2018, officers Anthony Morelli and Eric Joering were responding to a 911 hang-up call when they were shot and killed.
Friday, a Franklin County jury found Smith guilty of the aggravated murders of Morelli and Joering.
Read the full statement from Westerville Division of Police Chief Charles Chandler:
“This week has been another difficult step in grieving the loss of Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering.
It has been emotionally brutal for our department and our community to relive February 10, 2018. I want to first express my gratitude for all of those who have offered support or words of encouragement this week. The support, care and concern of the entire Westerville community, indeed all of Central Ohio, throughout this ordeal has been nothing short of phenomenal and on behalf of the entire Westerville Division of Police, I wish to express my deepest appreciation.
The Westerville Division of Police put its trust in the judicial system. We want to express our appreciation for Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien as well as those in his office for delivering an Aggravated Murder conviction.
More than 19 months ago, when this act took place, we made a clear and conscious decision as a department to focus our attention on our fallen brothers. We have said very little about the offender who committed this despicable crime, and we will continue to honor that decision.
Instead, we continue to offer our love and support to the Morelli and Joering families. It is our hope that when the sentencing portion of the proceedings are finished it brings additional peace and comfort to their healing process.
I am proud of the entire department who braced for this day. In particular, retired Officer Ray and Officers Mason, Pentecost, Betts, Phillips and Corporal Jack Johnson whose courage on the stand honored Tony and Eric’s memory.
WPD remains ‘Westerville Strong.’”
