Oklahoma prosecutors seek death penalty in officer's death

SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — Oklahoma prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for a 36-year-old man accused of shooting a police officer to death.

Byron James Shepard is charged with first-degree murder in the March 27 death of 22-year-old Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney.

The Oklahoman reports Pottawatomie County prosecutors announced plans to seek the death penalty Thursday during a preliminary hearing that will determine whether there is probable cause to try Shepard for first-degree murder.

A second person, 23-year-old Brooklyn Danielle Williams, is charged with second-degree murder in Terney's death.

Terney died a day after he was mortally wounded. Officials say Terney pulled over a vehicle driven by Williams and learned there was an arrest warrant against Shepard, a passenger in the vehicle.

Shepard fled and Terney was wounded during an exchange of gunfire.