Biden to seek death penalty in murder of Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer

Biden to seek death penalty in murder of Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer

Georgetown – Attorney General Beau Biden today announced that he has decided to seek the death
penalty at trial in the murder prosecution of Derrick Powell, who faces first degree murder and other
charges in the death of Georgetown police officer Chad Spicer. Officer Spicer was shot and killed
while responding to a police call on September 1, 2009.

“Seeking the death penalty is one of the most important decisions an Attorney General
makes. Today, I am announcing that we are seeking the death penalty for the murder of Officer
Chad Spicer. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Officer Spicer’s family, the Georgetown
community, and law enforcement throughout the state of Delaware who were all deeply affected by
Officer Spicer’s murder.”

Biden’s office has notified Powell’s attorneys of his decision. Prosecutors have been
pursuing the case against Powell as a capital-eligible murder case since his arrest.
Powell was arrested on September 1, 2009 and the Sussex County Grand Jury indicted him
on first degree murder and other charges on November 23, 2009. Trial is scheduled to begin in
Sussex County Superior Court on October, 11, 2010.

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