COLUMBUS – Authorities say the man accused in the slaying of a Columbus SWAT officer has now been charged with aggravated murder and could face the death penalty.
The upgraded charge against defendant Lincoln Rutledge follows Tuesday’s death of Columbus officer Steven Smith, who was shot in the head early Sunday while officers tried to arrest Rutledge on the arson charge.
The charge filed in Franklin County Municipal Court Thursday is preliminary while an investigation into Smith’s death continues. Rutledge, 44, will likely face more formal charges once an indictment is handed down.
There’s the presence of a [death penalty specification] because it was an on-duty police officer, Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien
Rutledge is being held without bond and also faces charges of felonious assault and aggravated arson. Rutledge’s public defender is not commenting.
Plans have been announced for memorial services for Smith:
Visitation and funeral services will be held Monday and Tuesday at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Westerville.
Monday – Visitation: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Funeral service: 11:00 a.m.
There are no graveside services.
A full honor guard contingent will commence at the church immediately following the service.
Columbus police chief Kim Jacobs remembered the 54-year-old Smith Thursday as someone who lived to serve others.