ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The man accused of killing St. Louis County police officer Blake Snyder in Oct. 2016 will not face the death penalty, St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Robert P. McCulloch announced Friday morning.
“After a complete examination and reexamination of all evidence in this case, I have determined that seeking death sentence in this case is not appropriate,” said McCulloch.
Trenton Forster has been charged with first degree murder, assault of a law enforcement officer and two counts of armed criminal action. If convicted, the penalty of first degree murder is life in prison without the possibility of probation or parole.
33-year-old Snyder was killed while responding to a disturbance call on Oct. 6, 2016.
In an interview on Oct. 6, 2017, Blake's widow, Elizabeth told 5 On Your Side she’s trying to forgive Forster. God calls us to forgive and to love our enemies, so I'm trying. That's all I can say. That's a really difficult thing." The two also have a young son together. MORE: One year later, Snyder’s widow reflects
Forster’s trial date is set for Feb. 4, 2019.
Statement from St. Louis County Police Association
"The brave men and women of the St Louis County Police Association are saddened and deeply disappointed by Mr. McCulloch's decision not to seek the death penalty.
Police Officer Blake Snyder represented the very best our society has to offer and he was murdered in the line of duty by a coward who represented the very worst.
While we share the same thoughts as Elizabeth, Mr. McCulloch is the longest tenured prosecutor in the State of Missouri and we trust his decision. We remain confident Mr. McCulloch will ensure the case against this murderous coward is vigorously prosecuted and the maximum prison sentence allowed by law is sought.
As we have done in the past, the St. Louis County Police Association will stand behind the Snyder family and support them in this very difficult journey."
