Man pleads not guilty in killing of Roswell police officer

A man accused of shooting and killing a Roswell police officer earlier this year pleaded not guilty to all charges Tuesday.

Edward Espinoza is charged with several counts, including murder and aggravated assault against a law enforcement member, in the Feb. 7 shooting.

That evening, Officer Jeremy Labonte was investigating a report of a suspicious person in the parking lot near the Ace Pickleball Club on Market Boulevard off Holcomb Bridge Road. Prosecutors said Espinoza walked into the recreational facility and drew a gun, then put it back into his vest, according to an 11Alive video of the March bond hearing.

The officer had approached Espinoza for questioning when the man shot him multiple times, authorities said. Labonte was rushed to a hospital, where he died.

Labonte was the first officer to be killed in the line of duty in Georgia this year. There was an outpouring of support from the community and law enforcement, with hundreds filling Roswell United Methodist Church for his funeral and dozens lining the streets for the processional.

A memorial car was placed at the department after Labonte’s death. A steady stream of mourners left flowers, cards and balloons.