LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The attorneys for the suspect accused of killing two Nevada State Police Troopers in a hit-and-run on I-15 last week revealed that he plans to plead "not guilty."
On Tuesday morning, Jemarcus Williams was appointed public defenders Michael Yohay and Anna Clark in Judge Joe Bonaventure's courtroom. The attorneys told Channel 13 that they reviewing the evidence in the case and Williams plans to plead not guilty.
Former Clark County District Attorney David Roger said a plea negotiation is still not off the table because it's early in the case.
Roger said defendants typically enter a not guilty plea unless the case is negotiated before going into trial.
"That is to keep the process going," said Roger. "To get police reports, conduct their investigation and gather information to determine what course of action would be appropriate for the defendant."
Additionally, Williams waived his right to a preliminary hearing in 15 days. The court set the preliminary hearing date for Jan. 30, 2024.
Troopers Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix were stopped to investigate a suspicious vehicle when they were hit by a car and mortally wounded, police said previously.
The vehicle, a white Chevrolet HHR, was found by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers a few hours after the collision in the parking lot of an apartment complex less than a mile from where the troopers were hit.
In the arrest report, investigators documented finding "a Nevada State Police metal badge" when they searched the vehicle.
On Tuesday, Metro Police confirmed the badge found inside the vehicle belonged to Sergant Michael Abbate and said it separated from him during the collision.
Williams is due back in court on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.
