Ex - Black Panther Mumia Abu - Jamal sentenced to death for killing Philadelphia police officer . He says there were procedural errors during his sentencing , too few blacks on the jury . A Life Sentence of Loss , Pain and Injustice , '' a book in the slain officer 's memory . Appeals court can now impose death penalty or a new trial to hear claims of murder . ` ` He is nothing short of an assassin . '' former Philadelphia district attorney says .
Ex - Black Panther Mumia Abu - Jamal sentenced to death for killing Philadelphia police officer . He says there were procedural errors during his sentencing , too few blacks on the jury . Appeals court can now impose death penalty or a new trial to hear claims of murder . ` ` He is nothing short of an assassin . '' former Philadelphia district attorney says .