×

Iowa man pleads guilty to killing two cops during ambushes

DES MOINES — An Iowa man on Friday admitted to killing two Des Moines-area police officers who were ambushed as they sat in their patrol cars.

Scott Michael Greene withdrew his not guilty plea at a morning hearing and pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of Urbandale officer Justin Martin, 24, and Des Moines Sgt. Anthony Beminio, 38. He was sentenced to consecutive life prison terms.

Greene, 46, admitted he shot both men in the early morning last Nov. 2 within minutes of one another as they sat in their patrol cars about 2 miles apart. Police arrested Greene later that day.

Greene didn’t explain why he killed the officers and he declined to speak during Friday’s hearing, which was supposed to be a pretrial status conference until Greene decided to change his plea and seek immediate sentencing.

Polk County Attorney John Sarcone said Greene signaled a few weeks ago that he was prepared to plead guilty and go to prison. A judge’s gag order prevented attorneys from revealing Greene’s plea plans ahead of time.

Sarcone said Greene planned his attack by loading an assault rifle with high-powered shells. He bought a bottle of whiskey at a convenience store and went out and shot the first officer he encountered on the street.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today