David Delich suspect in killing of Officer Hite

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The Pima County Attorney's Office will be seeking the death penalty for a man accused of killing a Tucson police officer in June.

David "Nick" Delich, 25, was indicted earlier this month on one count of first-degree murder in the death of Officer Erik Hite and with the attempted murder of four law-enforcement officers.

According to a court document filed Friday, prosecutors believe that if Delich is convicted he would be eligible for the death penalty for two reasons:

First, they allege Delich killed Hite while Hite was performing his official duties and Delich knew he was a police officer.

Second, they allege Delich committed other serious crimes during the same time frame.

Authorities have said Hite died during a 20-mile shooting spree that began when Delich opened fire on two of his neighbors' homes on the Northwest Side.

Two Pima County sheriff's deputies suffered gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening while trying to stop the gunman. Hite was shot in the head.

Delich gave himself up on the Mount Lemmon Highway about an hour after the spree began.

In news interviews, Delich has said he felt threatened by his neighbors and the police but didn't intend to kill anyone.

In addition to the murder and attempted-murder charges, Delich is also charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm at a residential structure, drive-by shooting and fleeing from a law-enforcement vehicle.

Delich remains jailed in lieu of $3.5 million bail.

His attorney, Assistant Pima County Public Defender John O'Brien, has a policy of not commenting on pending cases.

Delich's next court appearance will be Aug. 4.