Trooper's accused killer didn't want attorney

DINWIDDIE, Va. (WAVY) - A man accused of killing a Virginia State trooper Thursday told a judge Friday the court was going to 'execute him anyway.'

Russell E. Brown, 28, of Chesterfield, Va has been charged with capital murder of a police officer, one count of

of a felony in the shooting death of of Master Trooper Junius A. Walker.

Walker, a 35-year veteran of the Virginia State Police department, was shot in the line of duty on March 7, 2013.

According to NBC affiliate WWBT in Richmond, Brown wanted to represent himself in court, claiming he was going to be executed anyway and didn't know why he needed an attorney. Capital murder defendants are required to have lawyer in Virginia. 

Troopers say the incident occurred on I-85 southbound at the 45-mile marker just after 1 p.m. Thursday. A responding trooper spotted a marked patrol car in the woods to the right of I-85.

According to a news release from State Police, the responding trooper saw a suspect fire shots at the patrol car and then returned fire. The suspect ran from the scene but was later apprehended.

The injured trooper, identified as 63-year-old Walker, was transported to VCU's Medical Center in Richmond, where he passed away from his injuries. Walker has been with the State Police since 1973 and has worked and lived in Dinwiddie since 1986.

A valued and dedicated public safety professional, Master Trooper Walker’s sudden and tragic death is a tremendous loss to his Virginia State Police family,” Colonel W. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent said. “His family, friends and fellow troopers are in our thoughts and prayers tonight during this difficult time."

Walker is survived by his wife and two children.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA) released the following statement:

"On behalf of all 8 million of the citizens of the Commonwealth, I offer our heartfelt condolences and gratitude for the sacrifices these families have made to keep us all safe. Today, I offer such condolences to Master Trooper Walker’s wife Betty, his two daughters Vera and Clarissa, and the rest of his family, friends, and colleagues. Our prayers are with them during this difficult time. Virginia has lost a brave public servant and hero."

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04):

"I am deeply saddened to hear the news that a Virginia State Police trooper has been shot and killed in the line of duty this afternoon in Dinwiddie County. My thoughts and prayers are with this trooper's family.  God bless every American who serves in law enforcement and who chooses to rush towards the unknown and the dangerous to keep the rest of us safe."