MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – A man accused of fatally shooting an Ohio policeman with a stolen pistol is set for an initial court appearance in the potential death penalty case.
Thirty-two-year-old Herschel Ray Jones III is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday on 10 counts in Knox County.
The prosecutor says Jones asked to be represented by a public defender, who hasn't returned messages seeking comment
Jones is charged with aggravated murder, grand theft and evidence tampering in the slaying of 34-year-old Danville Officer Thomas Cottrell. His body was found behind the village's municipal building Jan. 17, after Jones' ex-girlfriend warned police Jones was armed and "looking to kill a cop."
Jones also is charged with assaulting that woman and with aggravated burglary, kidnapping and grand theft in a November case where the pistol was taken.
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