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Veteran Sheriff's Deputy Charged In Neighbor's Murder
Photo by Kuzma via Shutterstock
A 17-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has pleaded not guilty to charges he murdered his neighbor and shot at another man.
41-year-old Francisco Gamez, who was arrested in November following several months of investigation is accused of killing Armando Casillas and shooting at a second victim while off-duty last June.
The incident involved Gamez allegedly confronting Casillas and another man after Casillas fought with Gamez's 20-year-old son. Casillas died at the hospital, while the second victim was not injured.
Today, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Shelly Torrealba Gamez to remain jailed on $4 million bail while he awaits his next court appearance, which has been set for March 7, according to City News Service.
Gamez had most recently been stationed in West Hollywood, but was relieved of his duties in early July when an investigation into his alleged role in the shooting death of Casillas was launched.
If convicted, Gamez could face up to 75 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.