Convicted Cop Killer to Die Behind Bars

A Wilmington man who pleaded guilty but mentally ill in the fatal stabbing of a New Castle County police officer has been sentenced to two life terms plus 157 years in prison.
 
Thirty-five-year-old David Salasky remained stone-faced as he was sentenced Friday in New Castle County Superior Court, while friends, co-workers and loved ones breathed a sigh of relief.

"To know that he is now removed from society for the rest of his life, yes, I can take solace in that and I can go back to the people that wear this badge and protect all of us and tell them justice was served," said Police Chief Col. Elmer Setting.

Salasky pleaded guilty in September shortly after jury selection began in his trial for the 2011 killing of 44-year-old Joseph Szczerba, an 18-year veteran of the force. 
 
In return for Salasky's guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to not seek the death penalty. According to court records, Salasky has both a long criminal history and a history of mental health issues. Defense attorneys suggested he was delusional at the time of the murder and was reportedly high on chemicals known as bath salts when he stabbed Sgt. Szczerba, who was chasing him on foot.

Two other officers were also injured in the incident. There injuries were not life-threatening.