Clinton Police Officer Slain: Death Penalty Sought For Suspect

CLINTON, MO — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the man charged with murdering Clinton Police Officer Gary Michael following a traffic stop. Henry County prosecuting attorney Richard Shields filed notice of his plans on Wednesday, court records indicated.

Ian McCarthy has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the slaying. Michael, 37, was shot after he stopped a driver for a traffic violation near Clinton, about 75 miles southeast of Kansas City.

McCarthy jumped out of his car and started firing at the officer before driving a few blocks, crashing and taking off on foot, prosecutors said.

Michael returned the fire and wounded McCarthy, who was apprehended after a two-day manhunt.

Photo credit: Missouri State Highway Patrol via AP