Follow us on

Wednesday, May 22, 2013 | 3:20 p.m.

Updated: 4:57 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004 | Posted: 11:12 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004

Accused Killer Of Police Officer Pleads Guilty



SEATTLE —

The man accused of killing a Des Moines police officer has pleaded guilty in Seattle to first-degree murder in a plea bargain to avoid a possible death penalty.

Video: Family Of Officer Angered By Plea Deal

Charles Champion, 22, will be sentenced Jan. 5 in King County Superior Court.

Champion initially was charged with aggravated murder in theMarch 2001 shooting that took the life of Officer Steven Underwood. He was killed after he radioed he was stopping Champion and three others on Pacific Highway South.

The trial had been frequently delayed because of changing defense lawyers and motions against the death penalty.

Champion's lawyers said it would be unfair for him to face execution when Gary Ridgway got a plea deal sparing his life for the Green River killings.

More News

 
Featured Articles
Ads By Google
 

Video from KIRO 7

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News for iPad

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News for iPad

Get the new KIRO 7 Eyewitness News for iPad app -- featuring the latest news, photos, videos, weather, traffic and a livestream of all KIRO 7 newscasts.