Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes will seek the death penalty in the Sunday night shooting of three Auburn Police Department officers.
In a press conference Monday morning, local officials identified the officer who died as William Buechner, a decorated Auburn PD veteran.
They also confirmed the other two officers, who are expected to recover from their injuries, as Auburn Police officers Webb Sistrunk, serving since 2011, and Evan Elliott, serving less than a year on the force.
The Opelika-Auburn News reported that Hughes confirmed the suspect, who was captured after a manhunt that lasted over eight hours, will face a capital murder charge. The district attorney will seek the death penalty if the suspect is convicted on that charge.
In the press conference, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Police Chief Paul Register thanked the police officers for their courageous service and asked for prayers for the families, loved ones and community involved.
The officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call at a mobile home park in the 3000 block of Auburn’s Wire Road when the shooting occurred.
Few details have been released about the suspect, however, the Opelika-Auburn News reported he served in the military, per officials. The suspect was reportedly wearing camouflage, body armor and a helmet during the shooting.
WSFA reported that the suspect has also been charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of second-degree domestic violence. He is being held without bond.
Buechner began serving his community and the people of Alabama through the Auburn Police Department in April 2006. He is reportedly the first officer in Auburn PD’s history to be killed in the line of duty.
Watch the press conference:
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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