Cop killer could face death penalty

The man who killed Knox county police officer Thomas Cottrell in cold blood could face the death penalty following a grand jury indictment that charged him with aggravated murder, grand theft, and tampering with evidence, among other charges.

In what has been described as an “assassination style” slaying, Herschel R. Jones III shot Cottrell in the head at close range. Evidence suggested that Cottrell was not given a chance to react.

Jones was also charged with stealing Cottrell’s 9 mm service revolver and his police cruiser, in which he was apprehended after a short chase.

A date has not yet been set for Jones’ initial appearance in court.

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