BOONE COUNTY — The man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of Boone County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Pickett is expected to plead guilty.
The Boone County Prosecutor's Office says Anthony Baumgardt is set for a hearing where he is expected to plead guilty on May 29. He will also be sentenced at this time.
“Since Baumgart has not plead guilty and has not been sentenced, Prosecutor Eastwood cannot make further comment on this development,” The Boone County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
Baumgardt, 21, is accused of killing Pickett on March 2, 2018, after fleeing from law enforcement officers.
He was facing the death penalty but it is unclear if his expected plea will change that.
In a statement, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen asked people to focus on Deputy Pickett, his family and officers in Boone County.
"This news opens up deep emotional wounds that have been healing over the last 13 months and 24 days since Jake was taken from us," Nielsen said. "Over the last couple of months, we have had much communication about a plea agreement. I have spoken to family, I have talked with the Prosecutor and we have all met together to discuss options moving forward with the case.
"When it comes down to it, Jen and the family are what matters most. We will stand strong beside them on what they want. We will continue to walk this journey with them. As far as the details of the plea, I cannot discuss them until they are revealed at the hearing.”
Baumgardt, who said he had "no remorse" for Deputy Pickett's death, has been charged with multiple offenses including murder, possession of methamphetamine, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license.
Baumgardt was a passenger in a car with two other men that fled from police that morning of March 2. When that car slowed after a 10-minute vehicle chase, Baumgardt fled on foot. Deputy Pickett and his K-9 partner, Brik, followed.
Baumgardt presented a 9mm handgun, turned and fired at 34-year-old Deputy Pickett, striking him with at least one bullet that ultimately led to his death.
After he shot Deputy Pickett, Baumgardt was shot by a Lebanon Police Department officer.
READ | Anthony Baumgardt: "No remorse" for what happened to Deputy Pickett, man he's accused of shooting | Father of deputy shooting suspect says it "was a monster" who shot Deputy Pickett | Court records detail Deputy Pickett suspects' criminal history
