Riverside County prosecutors seek death penalty against suspected cop killer

Riverside County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Earl Ellis Green. He’s the man suspected of murdering a Riverside police officer earlier this month.

The suspect allegedly killed 26-year-old policeman Ryan Bonaminio, possibly with the officer’s own gun, after he’d fled a hit-and-run crash in a stolen diesel truck. Authorities say a witness heard Bonaminio pleading for his life before he was gunned down. Investigators recovered the officer’s semiautomatic pistol and other evidence as they searched Earl Green’s home and other hangouts.

Green faces first-degree murder with special circumstance allegations of killing a peace officer.

"When someone murders in cold blood a police officer in our county," says Riverside County district attorney Rod Pacheco, "there is no more significant case. There is no greater effort we will take, no resource left on the sidelines.”

Pacheco says prosecutors considered Green’s criminal past and consulted with Bonaminio’s family before they decided to seek the death penalty. "I mean it’s a very tough and painful road for the families. During the appellate process the victim’s family is almost always forgotten. And then we’ve also had many discussions with the defendant's own family members. They don’t just pick on strangers. They typically prey on their families.”

Green has an extensive rap sheet that includes domestic abuse, car theft and assault of a police officer. He’s being held without bail. His arraignment is scheduled later this month.