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Suspected cop killer back in Colorado to face justice
posted by: Paola Farer Web Producer

Created: 12/21/2005 10:11 PM MST - Updated: 12/23/2005 6:16 AM MST

DENVER - The man accused of killing a Denver police officer was brought back to Colorado from Mexico late Thursday night.

He was flown by private plane to Centennial airport, escorted by United States marshals and the Denver Police detectives, who then took him by police escort to the Denver pre-arraignment detention facility.

He could appear in court as early as Friday.

Gomez-Garcia is accused in the shooting death of Denver Police Detective Donnie Young in May. Detective Jack Bishop was wounded in the same attack that took place while the officers were working off-duty security at a party.

More than a month after the crime Gomez-Garcia was found hiding in Mexico. The Mexican government ordered his extradition after prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. The deadline for Gomez-Garcia to appeal the extradition has since passed.

Officer Jack Bishop told 9News that he's pleased the process has gone as well as it has.

"Personally for me, the next big hurdle is going to be the court process...actually having to relive that night," he said. "I'll have to testify, and that's one of the biggest hurdles I'll have to get over."

Donnie Young's widow is out of town for the holidays, but told Chief Whitman that she, too, is relieved.

Gomez-Garcia faces charges of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. He could be sentenced to 96 years in prison if convicted of both.