Steve Jefferson/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis, Feb. 18 - "There is nothing anyone in the the judicial system can do to give us what we want right now, that is my son." The father of slain Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Baker somehow managed to hold back tears.
His son's killer, Michael Shannon, confessed in court detailing the shooting as part of his plea agreement to avoid the death penalty. When asked why he decided to take responsibility for the shooting he responded, "It's what I should have done."
Shannon admits that during the September 2001 chase he popped the sunroof of this car, aimed this rifle at Deputy Baker and opened fire. Shannon admits to even reloading, evident from the bullet holes in Baker's patrol car.
The judge sentenced Michael Shannon to life in prison without the chance of parole. He also tacked on another 50 years each for two attempted murder charges involving two of Baker's fellow deputies.
Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said afterwards, "Make no mistake, life without parole means this 21-year-old will spend the rest of his life in prison. "
Initially Baker's family members wanted the death penalty. But they agreed to plea in order to get on with their lives.
"My kids (will) not have to worry about a parole hearing 25, 30 years down the road. I believe in my heart right now this is the correct decision." Deputy Baker's father, Jerry Baker, says his family, Jason's close friends and even law enforcement leaders all agreed sending his son's killer to jail for life would allow them to move forward. "By doing this he is out of our life forever from now on. "
Brizzi says there was a risk of the jury not sending Shannon to death row. There were mitigating factors such as his mental health treatment as a teenager and the fact that he practically had no criminal history.
This was a tough decision for Baker's family and fellow deputies.
By confessing to the deadly shooting Shannon saved his own life, one he'll spend behind bars.
