COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Latest on the case against a man accused of shooting a Columbus police officer in 1972 (all times local):
11 a.m.
The daughter of a Columbus police officer wounded in a 1972 shooting says she can’t agree with a judge’s decision to dismiss the case against the suspect.
Lori Cooper says no one should be able to shoot a police officer and not suffer the consequences.
Franklin County Judge Guy Reece on Thursday rejected a prosecutor’s request that the case against shooting suspect Charles Hays be reopened.
Reece says that on balance the evidence shows Hays’ right to a speedy trial was violated by authorities’ failure to bring him back to Ohio in the years after the shooting.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said a decision hasn’t been made whether to appeal.
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9:20 a.m.
A judge is refusing to let prosecutors try an 82-year-old man in the nonfatal shooting of an Ohio police officer almost 45 years ago.
Defendant Charles Hays was indicted, but never prosecuted, as the case fell through the cracks.
Columbus police officer Niki Cooper was hit in the left arm in March 1972 when he and his partner interrupted a burglary on the city’s southeast side. Cooper never regained full use of the injured limb. He died just over three years ago.
Hays’ lawyer says a trial now would violate Hays’ constitutional right to a speedy trial. Franklin County Judge Guy Reece ruled Thursday that the prosecution cannot go forward.
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1:15 a.m.
A judge is set to announce whether prosecutors can bring an 82-year-old suspect to trial in the nonfatal shooting of an Ohio police officer almost 45 years ago.
Defendant Charles Hays was indicted but never prosecuted following the 1972 shooting, as the case fell through the cracks.
Columbus police officer Niki Cooper was hit in the left arm when he and his partner interrupted a burglary.
Franklin County Judge Guy Reece heard arguments last week and plans to rule Thursday morning.
Cooper never regained full use of his injured arm. He died just over three years ago at the age of 71.
Hays’ lawyer says reopening the case would violate Hays’ constitutional right to a speedy trial.
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