LEBANON, Ind. (WTHR) - The man who killed Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Pickett is going to prison for rest of his life.
Anthony Baumgardt pleaded guilty Wednesday. In exchange for his plea, the death penalty charge against him was dropped. The plea agreement spares Pickett’s family, fellow officers and the community a long and difficult trial and the likelihood of legal appeals lasting for decades.
Instead of facing a possible death sentence, the 22-year-old Baumgardt will spend his life in prison with no possibility of parole.
“There was justice done today for the community, for Jake, and that was what today was about. It is for Jake,” Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen said.
Baumgardt admitted shooting Deputy Pickett after a high speed car chase through Lebanon 15 months ago.
For the first time, his wife Jennifer Pickett talked publicly about the family’s ordeal.
“You have stolen a future that was promised us. You have stolen a father from two little boys,” she told Baumgardt in court. “We talk through nightmares about bad guys shooting at the house and at them. The last year of our life has been consumed with a grief that sometimes feels unbearable.”
Jennifer Pickett’s victim impact statement filled two pages.
“I now answer questions like, 'How many times was daddy shot?' and 'Mommy, will you keep me safe so no one shoots me?'” she said. "You have robbed them of the freedom to be children who believe the world is safe.”
Baumgardt was emotionless. He declined to an opportunity to apologize in court. But attorney Brent Westerfeld insisted his client is remorseful.
“He is sorry for what’s occurred and he realized the harm and the loss that resulted from his actions and he took responsibility for that today,” Westerfeld said.
The hearing reopened emotional wounds but also offered new hope for a grieving mother and children.
“Here is what you can never take from them,” Jennifer Pickett told Baumgardt, “you cannot take their ability to rise up…and they will.”
As part of the plea agreement, Baumgardt gave up the right to appeal his life sentence.
His alleged accomplices, John Ball and John Baldwin Jr. are also charged with murder. Because of news reports and other publicity, they have filed court motions asking their trials be moved to other counties.