New charge of second-degree murder filed against Everett, Wash., officer in man’s death

New charge of murder against Washington officer

EVERETT, Wash. — Prosecutors have filed a more serious charge against a Washington state police officer accused of fatally shooting an intoxicated man in a restaurant parking lot.

Everett police officer Troy Meade previously was charged with first-degree manslaughter in the June 10 death of Niles Meservey. Snohomish County prosecutors added a second-degree murder charge Thursday.

The 41-year-old officer remains free as he awaits trial, which is scheduled for next month. He maintains in court records that the shooting was in self-defense.

Meade wasn’t immediately arraigned on the new charge. His attorney, David Allen, says he thinks prosecutors lack probable cause to charge Meade with murder.

Authorities say the shooting happened as Meade was trying to get the drunken man out of his vehicle. The 51-year-old Meservey was shot seven times as he sat at the wheel of his car.

Information from: The Daily Herald, www.heraldnet.com