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Accused Indiana Cop Killer Asks If He Can Seek The Death Penalty ... For Himself
Anthony Baumgardt asked the judge if he could seek the death penalty for himself in the alleged shooting of Deputy Jacob Pickett.
A young man accused of shooting and killing a cop wants to seek the death penalty for himself.
Anthony Baumgardt, 21, is being accused of multiple counts, including murder, in the death of Boone County Deputy Jacob Pickett of Indiana. He was shot and killed chasing Baumgardt and two others last Friday, according to the New York Daily News.
Pickket, 34, and officers were on the scene to serve an unrelated arrest warrant to a nearby woman. They recognized a man who had an outstanding warrant. When they approached, a chase between Baumgardt, Pickett and the officer's K-9 companion ensued.
The suspect is alleged to have turned around, pulled out his 9mm handgun and shot the officer multiple times. Baumgardt was also shot by police but sustained only minor injuries.
Baumgardt posed his inquiry about the death penalty during an initial hearing, according to the Indy Star.
“Is the death penalty going to be seeked for this?” Baumgardt asked Judge Bruce Petit. The judge said that it was still being determined. “If I were to seek it out on my own, would that change anything? You know, enter my guilty plea now and seek the death penalty?" he asked. “I was just wondering my options, sir.”
Despite the harsh sentence he is seeking for himself, the suspect has not publicly shown remorse. On the way into the courthouse, he was asked if he was apologetic for the incident. He replied, “nope" and said that he had "no remorse."
He explained that he shot at Pickett because the officer was chasing him with a K-9 dog. Baumgardt told reporters that he “didn’t want to get bit by a dog.” Previously, he had stated that he didn't want to be caught and sent back to jail.
"I shot a cop,” Baumgardt told officers after his arrest, according to the Indy Star. When asked for more details, Baumgardt said because “they were going to take me to jail."
Sheriff Mike Nielsen shared his anger and pain following the incident. “I am angry. I am so angry,” he said. “I am sad, I am heartbroken, and I am devastated.”
Pickett was a five-year veteran of the department. He is survived by a wife, Jennifer, and two young children, according to the Indy Star.
[Photo: Boone County Sheriff's Office]
