NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The suspect accused of killing a sheriff’s deputy in Dickson County now faces federal charges in the case.
U.S. attorneys confirmed Thursday that a federal grand jury has indicted Steven Wiggins with federal carjacking and firearms violations in connection with Sgt. Daniel Baker’s death.
The government intends to seek the death penalty in the case.
Wiggins has been charged with first-degree murder for Sgt. Baker's death. He's accused of shooting and killing the officer at the intersection of Highway 46 and Bear Creek Valley Road in 2018.
Related story: Remembering Dickson County Sheriff Sgt. Daniel Baker one year later
It took two days for officers to track down Wiggins.
Gov. Bill Lee recently signed the Sgt. Daniel Baker Act into law, which skips the state Court of Criminal Appeals and provide automatic state Supreme Court death penalty reviews.
Sgt. Baker's widow, Lisa Baker released the following statement in response to the change:
"I am pleased to hear that there will now be 2 paths in motion to potentially achieve the necessary outcome of Wiggins being put to death. It is my hope that this case is made an example for all to see, exactly, without question what America will do to “Cop killers”! This year, 29 officers have been killed by gun violence. One of those 29 was Sgt. Steve Hinkle, killed in February, here in TN. I do not understand how there are people out in this world that feel it is ok to disrespect law enforcement officials and/or just gun them down. I truly believe that this is not a gun problem...it’s a people problem! To make America great again: Trump-build the wall, Parents-discipline your children, and capital punishment in a timely manner!"
