Thread: Jury convict man accused of killing a police officer

http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/2006 ... S/60915002

Jury convict man accused of killing a police officer


The Associated Press
September 15, 2006

DENVER — A man accused of killing an off-duty police detective and wounding another was convicted Friday of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Raul Gomez-Garcia, 21, had been charged with second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and assault in the May 2005 death of Donald “Donnie” Young. His partner, Detective John “Jack” Bishop, was wounded.

Gomez-Garcia, an illegal immigrant, took the stand in his own defense during trial and told jurors he didn’t intend to kill the officers. He said he fired after Young grabbed him by the neck and arm to stop him from re-entering an invitation-only baptismal party where Young and Bishop were working.

Bishop was wearing a bulletproof vest, but Young was not.

Gomez-Garcia was arrested in Mexico about a month after the slaying following a multistate manhunt.

The Mexican government does not return suspects to the U.S. if they face the death penalty, but Denver prosecutors agreed to not file a first-degree murder charge that could have led to a death sentence.

http://cbs4denver.com/topstories/local_ ... 91111.html

Gomez-Garcia's Maximum Sentence: 96 Years
Tough Question: Why Can't Gomez-Garcia Face The Death Penalty?

Alan Gionet
Reporting

(CBS4) DENVER Mexico's refusal to extradite a suspect to a country where he might face the death penalty is the reason Raul Gomez-Garcia, the man accused of shooting and killing Denver police Det. Donnie Young, is charged with second degree murder and can't be sentenced to death.

Prosecutors had to agree not to pursue the death penalty in the case in order to secure Gomez-Garcia's return to the United States after he was captured in Mexico.

"This is a full community of nations that believe in democracy and we link the concept of democracy with more humane types of punishment," said Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzalez, the Mexican consul general in Denver. "Nowadays, the United States is the only democratic country that applies the death penalty widespread."

Young's widow, Kelly Young, wanted Gomez-Garcia to face the death penalty.

"He almost gives me the feeling that he's kind of proud of what he did," Young said.

In order to get Gomez-Garcia back in the United States, prosecutors had to settle for a maximum of 96 years in prison.

Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey lowered the charges against Gomez-Garcia to second degree murder and first degree attempted murder.

"In this case, Mitch Morrissey made the decision that it was far more important ot bring him back to the United States so he could be accountable for the death of officer Young," Karen Steinhauser, a former deputy district attorney said.

Kelly Young eventually agreed with the decision.

"I think he deserves the death penalty, he deserves life in prison but I'm happy with the decision that we made because it was more important for me to get him back here from Mexico and let him face the justice system," Young said.

Gomez-Garcia was caught in Mexico when that country still had a prohibition on life sentences. That's why Gomez-Garcia can only face a maximum of 96 years in prison.

The Mexican Supreme Court changed that stance a few months later. It's opposition to the death penalty hasn't changed.

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