Jerry Lard was sentenced to death by the State of Arkansas for the murder of a police officer. According to court documents Jerry Lard was pulled over by Police Officer Jonathan Schmidt. When the Officer approached the car Jerry Lard would shoot him in the head, Lard would get out of his car shooting the officer twice more before grabbing the Officers gun to fire the last shot. Jerry Lard would be convicted and sentenced to death.
Arkansas Death Row Inmate List
Jerry Lard 2021 Information
ADC Number 000976
Name: Lard, Jerry D
Race CAUCASIAN Sex MALE Hair Color BROWN Eye Color BLUE
Height 64 inches Weight 234 lbs.
Birth Date 03/13/1974
Initial Receipt Date 07/30/2012
Facility Varner Supermax
Jerry Lard More News
A convicted cop killer has been sentenced to death.
A jury has sentenced Jerry Lard to death in the shooting death of Trumann Police Officer Jonathan Schmidt. Three hours into their deliberations, jurors agreed on the death penalty for Jerry Lard.
The father of fallen Trumann officer Jonathan Schmidt says the last two weeks have been difficult.
“It’s been extremely difficult for both families to endure such pain that we’d endured,” said Donald Schmidt, Sr. “It’s closure. It’s been a long time coming. We can start healing now,” he added.
Minutes after Jerry Lard was sentenced to death, Schmidt said the jury sent a message.
“If anybody out there ever wants to assassinate or murder an innocent officer, the great people of this state will stand up to them,” Schmidt said.
Andrea Schmidt, wife of officer Jonathan Schmidt said she was glad the trial is over, adding, “I still miss Jonathan every day. He’s never going to come back.”
During the trial, the Schmidt family tearfully told the jury about what life has been like without Jonathan, a man the community of Trumann hails a hero.
Jonathan died April 13, 2011.
Prosecutors presented evidence that he was shot four times. The fourth, fatal shot, fired with his own gun at close range.
Saturday, the family says justice was served.
“We’ve all lost in this situation. There’s not a winner,” said Andrea Schmidt.
Shortly after the sentence was handed down, both families consoled each other. Expressing sympathy for what had happened.
“I understand that they lost a son,” said Ricky Lard. “I think and pray for that family every day since this happened.”
https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/story/19139197/lard-sentenced-to-death/