CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP): A northwest Indiana judge has issued a gag order in the case against a man suspected of fatally shooting a Gary police officer.

The order imposed Friday by Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas prohibits lawyers and other officials involved from discussing outside of court the case against 24-year-old Carl Le'Ellis Blount Jr. of Gary.

Blount is charged with murder in the July 6 shooting death of Officer Jeffrey Westerfield.

The Post-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1t9O9zD ) that Blount's public defender requested the gag order.

A magistrate entered a not guilty plea for Blount on Friday and warned him that he could face a death sentence if additional charges are filed against him.

Westerfield's fiancee says she believes the death penalty should be sought.

Blount's next court hearing is July 30.