State Attorney seeking death against Highlands man who murdered deputy

State Attorney seeking death against Highlands man who murdered deputy

Joseph Ables.

A Highlands County Grand Jury indicted Joseph Ables, 69, of Lake Placid, Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Ables was arrested May 6 and was charged with the fatal shooting of Highlands County Deputy William J. Gentry two days later.

Following today’s indictment, Tenth Circuit State Attorney Brian Haas announced he will be seeking the death penalty against Ables.