Death Penalty Sought in Colleton County Deputy's Murder|ABC News 4

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Death Penalty Sought in Colleton County Deputy's Murder

07/27/09 5:03 pm | reporter: Josh Cascio producer: Ray Rivera

search tags: death penalty • deputy compton • colleton county sheriff

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ABC News 4 - Death Penalty Sought in Colleton County Deputy's Murder

Dennis Compton

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Colleton County - It's been nearly a year since the murder of Colleton County Deputy Dennis Compton who was killed while on duty. And some say his death continues to leave a void.

The 39-year-old Compton was shot and killed on Aug. 6 while responding to a burglary alarm on Sunflower Drive in Smoaks.

19-year-old Jacoby Fields and 20-year-old Travis Harris both charged with the murder, both pleaded not guilty. On Monday, Solicitor Duffie Stone announced he'll seek the death penalty against the suspects.

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"I looked at the facts based on burglary and murder and made the decision on that basis and that basis alone and didn't consider any impact outside the case,” Solicitor Stone said.

Friends of Compton's family agree with the solicitor's decision. They say the father of four was well known beyond his badge.

"He had children, a wife, people that adored him. It was a brutal murder and he didn't deserve to die like that,” said family friend Debra Branham.

Compton's family also weighed in calling the death penalty decision a "relief.” Solicitor Stone says the choice to end a life however is never easy no matter the circumstances.

"The decision to seek the death penalty is always a difficult one, probably the hardest I have to make as the chief prosecuting officer in Colleton County," he said.

According to the solicitor, the suspects’ trial is likely to begin in early 2010.

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