Governor Corbett Signs Execution Warrant for Convicted Killer

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 15 , 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today signed an execution warrant for John Lesko, who was convicted more than 30 years ago of killing a rookie policeman in Westmoreland County.  Lesko's execution is scheduled for November 9, 2011.

Lesko was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1981 for the death of Apollo Police Officer Leonard Miller.

It was Miller's third day on the job, in January of 1980, when he stopped a stolen car occupied by Lesko and another man. The policeman was shot twice as he approached the car.

Lesko, now 52, is incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution at Graterford.

This is Gov. Corbett's eighth execution warrant.

Media contact:  Kevin Harley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor