ST. LOUIS — St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch said he will seek the death penalty against a man suspected of killing a St. Louis police officer.
Todd Shepard is charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of University City Sgt. Michael King on Halloween 2008.
The intention to seek the death penalty was announced during a hearing Wednesday. The trial date also was set for Nov. 3, 2010.
King was fatally shot while sitting in his patrol car in a lot near the University City Loop, an entertainment and commercial district just outside the St. Louis city limit. Authorities said the shooting appeared to be random because they could find no previous contact between Shepard and King.