STATE SEEKS THE DEATH PENALTY FOR THE SHOOTING OF OFFICER CHAD MECHELS

Attorney General Marty J. Jackley and Turner County State’s Attorney Tiffani Hoeke announce the State’s filing of the Notice of Intent to Request the Death Penalty for the shooting of Officer Chad Mechels.  On February 23, 2010, the State filed its Notice of Intent to offer evidence of the following death-eligible aggravating circumstances:   (1) that the defendant committed the offense against a law enforcement officer while said officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties; and (2) the offense was committed for the purpose of avoiding, interfering with, or preventing a lawful arrest or custody in a place of lawful confinement of the defendant.