Charges Filed Against Man Suspected Of Killing Stanislaus County Deputy

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MODESTO (CBS13/AP) - Prosecutors say a California man knowingly shot and killed a sheriff's deputy in the line of duty.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office on Tuesday charged David Machado with first degree murder. He's accused of gunning down Deputy Dennis Wallace on Sunday near Modesto.

Charges against Machado include special circumstances, making him eligible for a death sentence. Prosecutors, however, have not said what punishment they'll seek.

Fellow deputies found Wallace shot twice in the head after he reported a van that had been stolen. The 37-year-old suspect was arrested 150 miles away after trying to steal a woman's purse.

Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson has said that the deputy was executed.

Machado is expected in court Tuesday. Prosecutors say Machado will be assigned a public defender.