Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Indiana Officer Murder

Anderson, Indiana (AP) — Prosecutors last month It is seeking the death penalty for a man accused of shooting a young state police officer. Early morning traffic stop, officials announced Wednesday.

Madison County Prosecutor Rodney Cummings said his office was a relative of murdered Elwood Police Officer Noah Shanavaz, the Indiana Attorney General's office, and the death penalty case. He said he consulted with prosecutors who have experience in handling cases.

Cummings said the "unanimous decision" was to pursue the death penalty against Carl Roy Webb Board II.

"The death penalty is Indiana law and if it is pursued, this is the kind of case that needs to be pursued," Cummings said at a press conference with police in Anderson. rice field. Officials, other prosecutors, and relatives of deceased police officers.

Cummings recently requested an additional $50,000 to the 2023 budget in anticipation of filing a motion for the death penalty in the case.

Boards, 42, is accused of shooting Shahnavaz, 24, through the windshield of a police car in the early hours of July 31 in Elwood, about 50 miles northeast of Indianapolis. ing.

Shahnavaz joined the Elwood Police Department approximately 11 months ago. His father spoke emotionally at a press conference after placing his late son's sunglasses on the podium.

"He loved those sunglasses. He had beautiful blue eyes." And I'm sensitive to sunlight, so if I saw Noah, I knew there were sunglasses nearby," said Matt Shanavaz. I said I would tease my son for having sunglasses on the back of his head that he always had when he needed them.

"If you want a small, easy way to remember Noah, put a pair of sunglasses on the back of your head Noah-style.

The Associated Press is a lawyer for the Commission. Left a message seeking comment on Wednesday's announcement to a Joe Dupner, which the board will meet at its pretrial meeting on Sept. 30.