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Death Penalty Sought In Officer Slaying

POSTED: 11:40 am MST September 22, 2007
UPDATED: 11:47 am MST September 23, 2007

County Attorney Andrew Thomas said he intends to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing Phoenix Police Officer George Cortez.

Edward Rose, 20, was arrested following the shooting death of Cortez at a Phoenix check cashing store on July 27.

Cortez had one of Rose's wrists cuffed when Rose allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Cortez in the chest.

Rose and his companion, 19-year-old Norma Lopez, fled the scene.

Edward Rose, Norma Lopez

Cortez was pronounced dead at a Phoenix hospital.

Rose is charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, first-degree felony murder, first-degree burglary and forgery.

"The death of Officer Cortez still greatly touches our community," said Thomas.

"Our prosecutors stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Valley police in seeking justice for this fallen officer," he added.

Rose is the second man this year to face the death penalty in connection with the death of a police officer.

Bryan Hulsey

Bryan Wayne Husley, 33, is also facing the death penalty. He is accused of the murder of Glendale Police Officer Anthony Holly during a traffic stop on Feb. 19.

  • READ: 2/23/07 - Thousands Honor Fallen Officer
  • The public can help Cortez's family by making a tax-deductible donation to the "100 Club Survivor's Fund," AZ Federal Credit Union, Account 468939. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

    The families of Jim Cox and Scott Bowerbank, the KTVK photographer and pilot killed in a mid-air collision with KNXV's news helicopter, agreed to donate money given to their memorial fund to Cortez's family.

    Cortez's death occurred on the same day as the helicopter crash.

    Donations to the Jim Cox/Scott Bowerbank memorial fund, which will also go to Cortez's family, can be made at M&I Bank, Account 0044336897.


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