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Isaias De Jesus Valencia, 45, was discovered responsible of first-degree homicide final month for the March 9, 2018, killing of Greggory Casillas, in Pomona. Jurors deliberated just below a day earlier than reaching the decision.
The panel discovered true particular circumstance allegations of homicide of a peace officer within the efficiency of his duties and homicide for the aim of avoiding or stopping a lawful arrest.
The Upland resident was additionally convicted of 4 counts of tried homicide, together with one involving wounded Officer Alex Nguyen, three counts of assault with a firearm on a peace officer and one rely every of fleeing a pursuing peace officer and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Jurors additionally discovered true allegations that Valencia personally and deliberately discharged a handgun.
In addition to life with out parole, Superior Court Judge Mike Camacho additionally handed Valencia a separate sentence of 278 years to life.
Pomona police responding to a 911 name of a suspected DUI tried to cease Valencia, with a short pursuit ensuing that ended when he crashed right into a parked automobile and bumped into his house, in response to Deputy District Attorney David Ayvazian.
Valencia fired six occasions at officers as police tried to open the door, capturing Casillas within the head and injuring Nguyen, who was shot within the left cheek, the prosecutor mentioned.
Valencia was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department the subsequent day after a 15-hour barricade.
Officer Nguyen mentioned through the sentencing that he was traumatized by the capturing and that he now suffers from PTSD, nervousness and despair, CBS Los Angeles reported.
“Lawmakers, courts and the assessment boards rethink earlier than displaying any leniency for a remorseless killer that may’t man as much as his personal actions,” Nguyen mentioned, in response to CBS LA. “My scars run deeper than my face, not a day goes by that I don’t see, really feel or take into consideration my accomplice.”
Defense lawyer Ronald J. Higgins beforehand informed City News Service he believes his shopper is “affected by a psychological dysfunction,” however famous that the protection didn’t have the chance to current that to the jury.
He mentioned he expects Valencia to enchantment his conviction.
The prosecutor famous that Valencia was discovered competent earlier to face trial, and mentioned that the defendant has “no recognized psychological well being points.”
The Daily Bulletin contributed to this story.
