The man accused in the deadly shooting a Columbus police officer will now face the death penalty. Franklin County prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced Tuesday a grand jury returned an 11 count death penalty indictment against 44-year-old Lincoln Rutledge in the murder of Officer Steve Smith.
Rutledge faces charges that include two counts aggravated murder, four attempted murder, four felonious assault and one aggravated arson.
According to O'Brien, Rutledge is facing two murder charges because "under Ohio law, there are different ways to commit the crime of aggravated murder, and it is my (O'Brien's) practice to charge all ways that the crime was committed." He also faces attempted murder charges for firing at four other SWAT officers.
Rutledge is accused of firing at officers when they approached in an armored vehicle to serve a felony warrant on April 10. In a standoff that lasted several hours, Smith was shot in the head and taken to Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Two days later, he was pronounced dead.
Rutledge eventually surrendered after much of the Clintonville apartment building he was barricaded in went up in flames.
In April, his bond was denied, citing public safety concerns. The alleged cop killer will be arraigned on June 10.
Days after Smith succumbed to his injuries, the city paused to remember the fallen hero during an emotional Hero’s Escort and processional throughout the streets of Columbus.