OGDEN, Utah - Family, friend and community members gathered Friday night in support of Matthew David Stewart, who is accused of killing an Ogden Police officer during a drug raid one year ago.
On Jan. 4, 2012, six members of the Weber-Morgan Narcotics Strike Force entered Stewart's Ogden home as part of a raid for marijuana. Stewart allegedly opened fire, killing Officer Jared Francom, and wounding five other officers.
Stewart maintains that he was unaware that the officers failed to identify themselves as members of the strike force and he was simply defending himself and his home when he opened fire.
Stewart's supporters say police initiated a violent situation and that blaming Stewart for the incident is unfair and wrong. They call for the end to police violence, police militarization, home invasion raids and the drug war.
Family and friends held a vigil Friday night outside Stewart's Ogden home to recognize the one-year anniversary of what they call the "police home invasion" of Stewart.
Stewart faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors say they plan to seek the death penalty if Stewart is convicted.
