DA to seek death penalty in deputy’s death
GUTHRIE — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the April 18 shooting death of a Logan County sheriff’s deputy.
Nathan Aaron LeForce, 45, of Perry, is charged with first-degree murder in the killing of deputy David James Wade, 40, of Guthrie.
Logan County District Attorney Laura Austin Thomas filed a bill of particulars, meaning prosecutors at trial will seek the death penalty against LeForce.
In the document, Thomas wrote that LeForce “should be punished to death.”
“The defendant has utter disregard for human suffering,” she wrote. “The defendant will be likely to commit future acts of violence and would be a continuing threat to society.”
Prosecutors allege LeForce shot Wade as the deputy was serving an eviction notice in Mulhall. The district attorney called LeForce’s actions heinous, atrocious and cruel.
“The defendant by use of wanton and evil violence did walk towards deputy David James Wade, engage him in conversation, and at close range did shoot deputy Wade multiple times in the face, neck and torso and continued to shoot him as he fell to the ground, including shooting him in his back,” the district attorney wrote.
Wade’s body cam video was released after the shooting, which shows LeForce point a handgun at the deputy.
LeForce also is charged with larceny of a motor vehicle and firstdegree armed robbery.
After the shooting, there was a brief manhunt for LeForce. Before being captured, LeForce took the deputy’s vehicle and later stole a woman’s car at gunpoint, according to prosecutors.
A preliminary hearing has been set for Aug. 7. At that time prosecutors will present evidence to a judge, who then will decide if enough exists to send LeForce to trial.