New Evidence In McCartney Killing Ups Charges

PUYALLUP, WA - The man accused of killing Pierce County deputy Daniel McCartney last month is facing new charges because of new ballistics evidence. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that new ballistics evidence linked the gun found near the scene of the shooting to the accused killer.

Frank Pawul, 32, is now facing an aggravated first-degree murder charge, higher than the initial first-degree murder charge. If found guilty, Pawul could be sentenced to death, although Gov. Jay Inslee has placed a moratorium on the death penalty.

McCartney, a husband and father of three, was shot and killed while pursuing two home invasion suspects Jan. 7. McCartney exchanged gunfire with the two suspects and died after a bullet hit him above his bulletproof vest.

Three people have been arrested in McCartney's death: Pawul; Brenda Troyer, 52, who allegedly drove a getaway vehicle; and Samantha Dawn Jones, 29, who allegedly helped plan the home invasion and was in the getaway vehicle. A fourth suspect, Henry Carden, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head near where McCartney was shot.

Image courtesy Pierce County Sheriff