Prosecutors in Boone County, Indiana are seeking a death sentence for a man accused of killing a sheriff's deputy last month. Boone County Prosecutor Todd Meyer announced Tuesday that Anthony Baumgardt, 21, will face the death penalty for the March 2 shooting.
"I have given this decision considerable thought and deliberation and, after speaking with the victim's family, presenting the case to the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council's capital litigation committee and after meeting with members of the Indiana Attorney General's Office, I have concluded that seeking a death sentence in this case is the right decision," Meyer said, according to WXIN-TV.
Baumgardt, who is charged with murdering Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett, told reporters last month that he has "no remorse." According to jail records, Baumgardt also faces charges of resisting law enforcement, carrying a handgun without a license, marijuana possession and methamphetamine possession.
The fatal incident began with a vehicle pursuit after authorities spotted Baumgardt in a car with John Baldwin Sr. and John Baldwin Jr., who was wanted on a warrant. Police said that after the pursuit, Baumgardt and Baldwin Sr. exited the car and attempted to flee. Baumgardt then allegedly shot Pickett, killing him.
Before his hearing in March, Baumgardt said he opened fire because he "didn't want to get bit by a dog." He was referring to Pickett's K-9 partner, Brik.
According to WRTV, Baumgardt was shot by another officer after he fired at Pickett. He was taken to Methodist Hospital before being released into police custody. At his initial hearing, the suspect asked if he could "seek out the death penalty" on his own if he opted to plead guilty.
Meyer said Tuesday that the allegation Baumgardt intentionally killed the deputy in the line of duty was a factor that qualified the case for the death penalty. Baumgardt's alleged lack of remorse also played a role.
"The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line each and every day to keep the citizens of Boone County safe and out of harm's way," Meyer said. "When someone takes the life of a police officer, by intentionally killing him/her, while he/she is acting in the line of duty, then that person should have to face the ultimate penalty, which, in the State of Indiana, is a sentence of death."
Baumgardt is due back in court and will learn of his new charges on Friday. He is set to be transferred from Hamilton County Jail to Boone County for the hearing. Baumgardt is being held without bond and his trial is scheduled to begin on July 31.
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