Local News
Local News

Execution warrant signed for Atlanta cop killer

971014 ATLANTA, GA.: -This is Gregory Paul Lawler as seen in a photograph made as he emerged from the hall door and as he was walking into the court room. There is no identification of the correctional officers seen on the left and right of him. --This photo was shot Tuesday, 10/14/97 in the Municipal Court of Atlanta, State of Georgia on the occasion of the State vs Gregory Paul Lawler.
971014 ATLANTA, GA.: -This is Gregory Paul Lawler as seen in a photograph made as he emerged from the hall door and as he was walking into the court room. There is no identification of the correctional officers seen on the left and right of him. --This photo was shot Tuesday, 10/14/97 in the Municipal Court of Atlanta, State of Georgia on the occasion of the State vs Gregory Paul Lawler.
By Rhonda Cook
Oct 6, 2016

A warrant was signed Wednesday setting the execution of cop killer Gregory Lawler for any time during the seven days starting with Oct. 19.

Lawler was sentenced to die for murdering Atlanta police officer John Sowa and critically wounding his partner, Patricia Cocciolone, on Oct. 12, 1997, moments after the two officers had brought home Lawler’s intoxicated girlfriend.

If Lawler is put to death, he will be the seventh person Georgia has executed this year, more than any other year since capital punishment was reinstated in the mid 1970s.

The Department of Corrections sets the specific date and time that the execution will be carried out. Traditionally, it is set for 7 p.m. on the first day of the seven-day window noted in the execution warrant.

About the Author

Rhonda Cook
More Stories

The Latest

A man was found shot Sunday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, police said.

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Man found shot inside terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson, officials say

Unborn child killed in shooting on I-285; mother remains hospitalized

Gridlock Guy: Getting a motorcycle for Christmas? Get some schooling.

Featured

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney — pictured during a hearing Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 — has cleared the way for Georgia's State Election Board to obtain Fulton ballots and other documents from the 2020 election. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Judge keeps alive subpoenas of Fulton County’s 2020 ballots

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney clears the way for Georgia's State Election Board to obtain Fulton ballots and other documents from the 2020 election.

Winter’s here, but warmer forecast means snow is far from certain

Despite recent frigid temperatures, this season might feel more like a typical late fall in the Peach State, making for slim chances to see any snow.

Philanthropy helped shape Atlanta. Here’s how that legacy endures.

Philanthropy helped shape Atlanta. And foundation-giving has had huge ripple effects not only in the metro area, but far beyond Georgia.