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Man charged in Rutland officer’s murder seeks pre-trial release

wcax.com 2024/10/5
Tate Rheaume/File
Tate Rheaume/File

RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) - The man charged with aggravated murder in the death of a Rutland Police officer was back in court Friday asking to be released from prison.

Tate Rheaume, 20, has been held without bail since being charged with aggravated murder--which carries a mandatory life sentence.

Police say Rheaume was fleeing from officers last July when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with Ofc. Jessica Ebbighausen’s cruiser, killing her.

Rheaume’s attorney, Sean Milligan, on Friday argued that while he awaits trial he should be released to the custody of a responsible adult. “Prior to appearing for his arraignment on the aggravated murder charge, he was released for over nine months with no violations. Based on his compliance for over nine months with his conditions, this court should have every confidence that Mr. Rheaume will abide by those conditions,” he said.

But Rutland County State’s Attorney Ian Sullivan says the severity of the charges must be considered. “The defendant’s actions in this case show -- from our perspective -- an extreme risk of flight and an extreme risk of danger to the community,” he said.

The judge is expected to rule on that issue in the coming days.

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