19-year-old Marion man charged with first-degree murder

Posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009

AP-SD--Deputy Killed (Tops),0115

Man charged with killing deputy appears in court

PARKER, S.D. (AP) - A 19-year-old Marion man was charged with first-degree murder Monday afternoon during a court appearance in Parker.

Ethan Johns is accused of shooting and killing Turner County Deputy Sheriff Chad Mechels.

Authorities say the 32-year-old deputy was shot Sunday morning at a farmhouse five miles west of Marion.

Johns was informed of the charge in court and was told the penalty for a conviction is death or life in prison. When asked if he understood the charges, Johns replied, "Yes, your honor."

March 31 was set as a preliminary hearing date. Also, a lawyer was appointed for Johns.

Information from: KELO-TV, Sioux Falls.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-03-16-09 1816EDT