Colorado Springs, Colo. – A man charged in the slaying of a Colorado Springs police officer will not face the death penalty, after prosecutors announced they had decided not to pursue it.
Jereme Lamberth, 31, is accused of gunning down Detective Jared Jensen after the officer recognized him at a convenience store on Feb. 22, 2006. Lamberth was being sought for allegedly trying to kill his own sister.
Authorities have said Jensen, 30, was trying to arrest Lamberth on a warrant for attempted murder when he was fatally shot in the head.
A filing Monday by the 4th Judicial District Attorney’s office said the decision against seeking the death penalty took into consideration the feelings of Jensen’s relatives, many of whom oppose capital punishment.
Lamberth also scored 69 on an IQ test, District Attorney John Newsome said, and persons with an IQ below 70 are considered mentally retarded.
Colorado law forbids the execution of anyone declared as such.
Fourth Judicial District Judge Larry Schwartz has imposed a gag order in the case, barring prosecutors and defense attorneys from making any comment.
Schwartz set a trial date of Nov. 5 for Lamberth.
He could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
