Authorities say the man accused in the slaying of a Columbus SWAT officer has now been charged with aggravated murder. The upgraded charge against defendant Lincoln Rutledge follows Tuesday's death of Columbus officer Steven Smith.
The 44-year-old Rutledge is being held without bond and also faces charges of felonious assault and aggravated arson.
The aggravated murder charged filed in Franklin County Municipal Court Thursday is preliminary while an investigation into Smith's death continues.
Rutledge will likely face more formal charges once an indictment is handed down.
Smith was shot in the head early Sunday while officers tried to arrest Rutledge on the arson charge.
Rutledge's public defender is not commenting.
Columbus police chief Kim Jacobs remembered the 54-year-old Smith Thursday as someone who lived to serve others.
