MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) -- A new prosecutor has been assigned to handle the investigation into the death of an 11-year-old Kentucky girl who was struck by a Rutherford County sheriff's deputy.

District Attorney Bill Whitesell said he decided to step down from the case to "avoid the appearance of impropriety."

The Daily News Journal reported that Joe Baugh, a former district attorney out of Williamson County, will handle the case and was appointed Wednesday.

Police said the 11-year-old from Hopkinsville, Ky., was visiting relatives in Murfreesboro on July 17 when she was struck by Detective Ron Killings in an unmarked patrol car as she was crossing a road.

Whitesell asked the Tennessee District Attorney's General Conference appoint a district attorney pro tem, who would make any further decisions into the investigation and potential prosecution.

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