Murder Charge OKd in Suspect’s Death

A judge in Litchfield, Conn., ruled that there is enough evidence to charge white police officer Scott B. Smith with murder in the death of a black suspect, a case that has sparked racial tensions. Smith, 27, a police officer in New Milford, is the first police officer in the state to be charged with murder in the line of duty. He is accused in the Dec. 29 death of Franklyn Reid, 27, who was shot once in the back at close range. Smith, who could get 25 years to life in prison if convicted, has said he believed Reid was reaching for a weapon.