PIKEVILLE, Ky. — During today’s Officer Appreciation Ceremony in downtown Pikeville, Pike Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Bartley announced his office will seek the death penalty for the man accused of killing Pikeville Police Officer Scotty Hamilton.

Bartley told those at the event that the paperwork making that decision official is sitting on his desk and he plans to sign it and file it with the courthouse immediately after today’s ceremony.

John Russell Hall, 55, of Pikeville, stands accused of gunning down Hamilton March 13, while the officer was conducting a late-night investigation at Hurricane Creek.

Hall immediately became a suspect in the case and was the subject of a 36-hour manhunt. He was ultimately captured at a residence on Pike-Floyd Hollow. He is charged with murder, receiving stolen property, felon in possession of a firearm, and persistent felony offender. Four other people face charges for allegedly helping him elude police.

Hall is being held without bond in the Carter County Detention Center.