Alabama Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty
An Alabama police officer was shot and killed last week. Officer Eric Freeman was shot in the head after investigating a traffic accident in Huntsville, Alabama. Officer Freeman approached Ken Shipp Jr. sitting by the street on a curb. The police officer was going to arrest Mr. Shipp for driving under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Shipp stood up and shot Officer Freemen in the head instead. Shipp is being charged with capital murder and is being held without bond in the Huntsville jail.
Mr. Shipp had been arrested for a previous DUI and apparently thought it better to kill a police officer than spend a night in jail. He has obvious mental issues. Combined with alcohol these mental issues could call into question whether Mr. Shipp had the Mens Rea required for capital murder. At least that's an Alabama criminal defense and DUI lawyer and attorney's two cents worth.
My sincere condolences to the Freeman family.
