CLINTON, Mo. -- Henry County Prosecutor Richard M. Shields announced Wednesday he will seek the death penalty for Ian McCarthy.
McCarthy is charged with the murder of Clinton, Missouri, Officer Gary Michael.
Michael was shot and killed after stopping McCarthy’s truck for a registration violation. McCarthy allegedly got out and opened fire on Michael.
Shields filed the notice Wednesday morning. The defense has filed a motion for a change of judge and change of venue, but the Missouri Supreme Court has not made a decision on either motion.
The co-defendants charged in the case with allegedly helping McCarthy hide from authorities had changes of judge and venue granted.
Shields said a “lot of contemplation and input from from family and law enforcement and citizens” went into the decision to file for the death penalty.
Shields said Michael’s family was not opposed to it and accepted his decision.
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