Shooting death of police officer in Smithsburg, Washington County during a confrontation with a man who had just stabbed a woman during a domestic dispute. The suspect, Douglas W. Pryor, 29, of Smithsburg was then wounded in a shootout with police. Killed were Christopher S. Nicholson, 25, one of three officers on the Smithsburg police force, and Alison L. Munson, 31, of Halfway.

Coverage:

State to Seek Death Penalty in Double Killing (March 28)
State's Attorney Charles Strong says he made the decision in consultation with Smithsburg Police Officer Christopher Nicholson’s family.

Smithsburg Man Charged with More Crimes in Double Slaying (Feb. 15)
Douglas Pryor, 29, of Smithsburg faces a total of 36 counts stemming from the deaths of Alison Munson and Christopher Nicholson, and a subsequent shootout with police on Dec. 19.

Funeral Services Arranged for Fallen Officer (Dec. 24, 2007)
Officer Christopher Shane Nicholson, 25, was shot by a man accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend during a domestic dispute Wednesday.

Police Officer Shot, Killed (Dec. 21, 2007)
The suspect, Douglas W. Pryor, 29, of Smithsburg, was then wounded in a shoot-out with police and was recovering Thursday at Washington County Hospital, Sheriff Douglas Mullendore said. Pryor is under sedation with non-life threatening injures and under police guard.