Westmoreland County Judge Meagan Bilik-Defazio has set a sentencing date for Ray Shetler Jr., who in February was acquitted of murdering Saint Clair Township Police Officer Lloyd Reed Jr. but was found guilty of theft and receiving stolen property for stealing a pickup truck in his attempt to escape after shooting Reed in November of 2015.
The 33-year-old Shetler has remained in custody in the Westmoreland County Prison, unable to post $100,000 bond. In addition to finding him not guilty of murder, a jury acquitted him of simple assault and harassment for a domestic incident involving his girlfriend, which prompted Officer Reed’s response to the New Florence home where the shooting occurred.
Last month, Shetler’s attorney asked the court to waive the pre-sentence investigation and proceed to sentencing or alternative relief, which seeks the court’s input on what type of relief Shetler is entitled to in order to avoid or reduce his prison time. Judge Bilik-DeFazio has scheduled sentencing for May 16th.
