Man charged with shooting two Tulsa police officers, killing one, due in court today

TULSA, Okla. — A man accused of shooting two Tulsa police officers is expected to be in court Friday.

David Ware is accused of killing Sgt. Craig Johnson and injuring Officer Aurash Zarkeshan during a traffic stop in June 2020.

Ware’s defense was given until October 15 to present evidence that could lessen the charges against him as he could be facing the death penalty.

Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler is seeking the death penalty in the case.

“As a prosecutor and certainly as a defense attorney there’s really no more important case than the type of case where you’re asking 12 citizens to impose the ultimate punishment. The death penalty is final,” Kunzweiler said in April.

A court hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Ware is charged with first-degree murder, shooting with intent to kill, and other charges.

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