Friday 26th April 2024

The jury is now deliberating the fate of Michael Lang, the Grundy County man accused of shooting and killing State Trooper Jim Smith last April.

Prosecutor Douglas Hammerand said in his closing that it is a straightforward case.

Lang is charged with First-Degree Murder in Trooper Smith’s death.

Defense Attorney Aaron Hawbaker argued the killing does not rise to First-Degree Murder.

Lang is also charged with an Attempt to Commit Murder for firing at a police vehicle, and Assault on a Peace Officer for an attack on a Grundy Center officer which started the series of events that led to Trooper Smith’s death.