Man Accused Of Killing Trooper Arrested 19 Times

ATLANTA -- The man accused of killing a Georgia state trooper is expected to appear before a judge Wednesday moing.

The atmosphere will be a familiar one for Gregory Favors, 30, who is in the Fulton County jail for the 19th time.

Favors' long rap sheet spans the last 11 years, according to jail spokeswoman Tracy Flanagan.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Favors shot and killed Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chadwick LeCroy on Monday night when LeCroy tried to stop Favors for driving with a broken headlight.

Investigators said Favors led LeCroy on a brief chase. After Favors crashed, he shot LeCroy, authorities said.

"He was a good man. I'm very proud of him and I know his dad is, too," said LeCroy's uncle, Larry Lecroy.

LeCroy's uncle said working in law enforcement was LeCroy's childhood dream.

"He found his calling. It's sad that he had to be taken from us so soon, but I think that this would be the way that he would want to go. He was very proud of what he did," said Larry LeCroy.

LeCroy's family has tough questions for the Fulton County judicial system. They want to know why Favors was out of jail with such a long criminal history.

This year alone, police arrested Favors five times, according to jail records.

His most recent arrest was on Dec. 11. He was charged with attempting to break into a car, possession of cocaine and obstruction. He was released on a signature bond, meaning he did not have to pay any bail money.

On June 26, Favors was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine, obstruction, tampering with evidence, wrecking a stolen car, reckless driving and running from police.

The trooper's family is angry. They believe his killing was senseless.

"You bet I'm very angry. His kids have lost a father. Our family has lost a loved one," said Larry LeCroy.

GBI officials said their agency and the Fulton County district attoey are investigating Favors' criminal history.