Video: Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Ohio Officer, Grins While Being Sentenced to Life

Officials say Herschel Ray Jones III pleaded guilty to three of the 17 counts against him. He was sentenced to life in prison, plus 35 years. He is not eligible for parole. Jones grinned from ear to ear as he was sentenced.

June 1, 2017

VIDEO: Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Ohio Officer, Grins While Being Sentenced to Life

The man charged with killing Danville (OH) Police Officer Thomas Cottrell Jr. has changed his plea to guilty to avoid the death penalty.

Officials say Herschel Ray Jones III pleaded guilty to three of the 17 counts against him. He was sentenced to life in prison, plus 35 years. He is not eligible for parole.

Jones grinned from ear to ear as he was sentenced.

On January 17, 2016, Knox County dispatch center received a call stating that police officers in Danville were in danger. The woman told dispatchers that her ex-boyfriend, Jones, had left with weapons and was looking to kill an officer.

Shortly before midnight, deputies found the body of Officer Thomas Cottrell on the ground behind the municipal building. His gun had been taken and his cruiser was missing, WCMH TV reports.

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