Prosecutors May Seek Death Penalty For Accused Calif. Cop Killer
From NBC SanDiego.com
VISTA, Calif. -- A man accused of killing a rookie Oceanside police officer during a traffic stop pleaded innocent Wednesday to a murder charge.
Adrian George Camacho, a 28-year-old ex-con and gang member who is accused of shooting 27-year-old Tony Zeppetella on June 13, also faces a special circumstance allegation of murder of a police officer. Judge Joan Weber set a tentative trial date of May 17.
At a status conference scheduled for Nov. 7, prosecutors will announce whether or not they will seek the death penalty.
According to Deputy District Attorney David Rubin, District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis plans to meet with Camacho’s defense team and officials from the Mexican Consulate prior to the status conference.
“She’s going to leave the meeting and then we’re going to announce the decision,” Rubin said outside court.
Camacho, a Mexican citizen, was in the country illegally at the time of the shooting. He had been deported to Mexico three times in the past.
“The consulate wants to weigh in on the decision,” Rubin said. “We’ve already met with the victim’s family.”
He said that discussion was private.