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Man Held In Officer's Death Had Knife In Prison

Prison officials say a homemade knife has been found on a man accused of fatally shooting a police officer in a suburb of Albuquerque.

The New Mexico Department of Corrections said Monday that Central New Mexico Correctional Facility guards found a "shank" inside the cell assigned to Andrew Romero.

Officials say the knife was discovered after Romero made threats at officers and authorities ordered a shakedown of his cell.

Authorities say officials are trying to determine how Romero got the weapon.

Police say 28-year-old Romero fatally shot Rio Rancho police officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner during a routine traffic stop in May.

Romero could get life in prison without parole if convicted.

He's has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and nine other charges.

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