Cop shooter seeks plea deal to lesser crime

NASSAU- A man, who shot two police officers responding to a domestic violence call, is trying to work out a plea deal.

Marty Sawyer shot Chief Superintendent Wendell Smith and Corporal 3688 Andre Linden with a shotgun at his home in Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

Sawyer, who was also injured in the November 24, 2020 incident, is charged with attempted murder. Sawyer and his victims received treatment at Doctors’ Hospital.

However, his lawyer Alex Maillis, wants him to plead out to a lesser crime. He said they are waiting on the officers’ medical reports to conclude the plea discussions.

According to Maillis, prosecutors agree Sawyer shouldn’t face attempted murder charges. He said Sawyer wasn’t in his right mind when he shot the officers.

Maillis told Senior Justice Bernard Turner, “It does not excuse the conduct on the day; there has to be consequences, but the discussions center around the appropriateness of the charge. And, the extent of the injuries of the officers involved is indeed a material fact.”

The matter has been adjourned to September 9 for a possible guilty plea.