DA to seek death penalty against man accused of killing officer

POLK COUNTY, Ga. — Polk County District Attorney Jack Browning said he'll seek the death penalty against an alleged police killer.

Seth Spangler, 31, made his first court appearance on Monday. He's charged with numerous crimes, including felony murder, in the Sept. 29 death of Polk County Police Department Detective Kristen Hearne.

Channel 2's Chris Jose asked Spangler if he had anything to say to Hearne's family. He did not respond.

In the courtroom, Spangler never made eye contact with Hearne's family members. He was soft-spoken and quiet.

"If somebody takes a life, they need to give theirs. That's the way I look at it," said Hearne's stepfather, Ron Brewer. "I'm praying for justice."

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Samantha Roof, 22, is also charged with felony murder. Police say she was there when Spangler fired his gun.

On Friday, rookie police Officer David Goodrich responded to a call of a stolen vehicle out of Tennessee, police said. Hearne arrived as backup. Police say Spangler injured Goodrich and killed Hearne.

Browning said he'll also seek the death penalty for Roof.

"It has gone from tears to anger and then back to tears," said Brewer. "The way I feel, an 'eye for an eye.' If you take somebody's life, you take yours."

A third suspect was also arrested for his connection to the murder. Michael Fossett is charged with hindering a criminal.

Hearne's funeral is Tuesday in Rockmart.

Cox Media Group