“Is this state a death penalty state?”
Yes, it is. Whether they are shy about using it, I don’t know. Probably would not apply in the police officer’s case, since nobody died.
Here’s a list of states which have the d.p. and those which don’t. Don’t know how up to date it is:
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/states-and-without-death-penalty
Family member was beaten up badly. It involved a gun that misfired. I thought it should be attempted murder. DA said 1st degree assault carried as heavy a penalty. In Missouri.