Porter brings back bill tied to officer’s slaying

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jon Porter on Thursday resurrected a bill stemming from last year's slaying of a Las Vegas police officer, who will be honored Sunday at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Punishment for the murder or attempted murder of a public safety officer would range from a 30-year prison sentence up to death, according to Porter's bill.

Porter, R-Nev., first introduced the bill in February 2006, the same month Las Vegas police Sgt. Henry Prendes, 37, was gunned down while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Prendes' widow, Dawn, and more than 50 members of the Metropolitan Police Department plan to attend a memorial service Sunday for Prendes and 381 other slain officers at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington.

"With the enactment of my legislation, we can ensure that these ruthless killers receive the harshest possible punishments," Porter said in a statement.

The bill passed the House last year by voice vote, but the Senate did not act on it.

Prendes was killed by Amir Crump, 21, who was then shot to death by police.