Gory Prince George's: Death Penalty Sought For Suspect In Officer's Killing

(Updated October 28, 2005)

"Death sought in cop's killing"
Times, October 28, 2005 (by Matthew Cella)

"State’s attorney to seek death penalty in murder of policeman"
Gazette, October 27, 2005 (by Ayesha Ahmed, Staff Writer)

"Death Penalty Sought in Murder of Officer"
wtopnews.com, October 27, 2005 (AP)

"Death Penalty Sought In Officer Shooting Case"
wjz.com, October 27, 2005 (AP)

"Prosecutors To Seek Death Penalty In Officer's Death"
wjla.com, October 27, 2005 (AP)

"Death Penalty Sought For Suspect In Officer's Killing;"
nbc4.com, October 27, 2005

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. -- Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against the suspect in the slaying of a Prince George's County police officer.

State's Attorney Glenn Ivey announced Thursday that his office will pursue a capital case against Robert Billett. Authorities said it was Billett who, on June 21, ran from a car during a traffic stop in Laurel and got into a gun battle with police at an apartment complex.

Cpl. Steven F. Gaughan, 41, was killed and Billett was wounded. Gaughan, who was not wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot in the shoulder and abdomen.

[. . .]

Authorities said at the time of the shooting that Billett had previously been convicted of three felonies, including assault.

Question: Who in our "justice" system is responsible for letting Billett, an obviously violent career criminal, loose to prey on the rest of us?

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Filed in: Gory.Prince.Georges