Judge enters not-guilty plea in slaying of Colorado deputy

BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) - A judge has entered not guilty pleas for a man charged with shooting and killing Adams County Deputy Heath Gumm.

KMGH-TV reports 23-year-old Dreion Martise Dearing appeared in court in Brighton Monday for an arraignment hearing.

He’s charged with four counts of murder, including two counts of first-degree murder of a police officer. He also faces charges of burglary, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and assault.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, although Gov. Jared Polis has said he doesn’t support executions.

Investigators say Gumm and other deputies were called to a residential area north of Denver on Jan. 24, 2017, for a reported fight. They chased a man who ran behind the house, where he pulled out a handgun and fired.

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Information from: KMGH-TV, http://www.thedenverchannel.com