Early this New year, Governor Jerry Brown has once again denied parole to a former gang member who was convicted of fatally shooting a San Diego police officer in 1978. Jesus Salvador Cecena, 54, was only 17 when he was convicted of first-degree murder for shooting Officer Archie Buggs four times at a traffic stop, in the Skyline neighborhood. This marks the second year in a row the governor reversed the Board’s decision to recommend Cecena for parole. A two-member panel had announced its decision during an August 2015 hearing, citing that he had met the standards under a new law meant to assist prisoners serving long sentences for crimes committed as juveniles. The local police department there obviously launched a campaign against this decision to allow Cecena for parole.
While Brown acknowledged Cecena’s young age at the time, the Governor said in his statement he still believes Cecena would be a threat to society if he were to be released from prison. He claims that Cecena still has not given a credible explanation for his actions. At the sentencing in the late 1970’s a judge noted the evidence indicated the shooting was calculated and deliberate. Cecena was sentenced to life in prison and has been locked up since 1979.
The new law referred to be the parole board says the parole board must give “great weight to the diminished culpability of juveniles” and also consider the prisoner’s “maturity and rehabilitation in prison.” Cecena’s prison record indicates he has disavowed association with prison gangs and helps mentor younger prisoners.
Killing a Cop Results in Capital Murder Charges
In California, capital murder is also referred to as first-degree murder with special circumstances. It applies to a whole list of situations that involve murder, which is punishable by the California death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Killing a public officer such as a cop, firefighter, prosecutor, or judge is a capital murder offense. See CA Penal Code § 190.2.
It is Against Federal Law to Kill or Assault a Police K9
Under the Federal Law Enforcement Animal Protection Act, which went into effect in August 2000 gives a penalty of a $1,000 fine and up to 10 years imprisonment for anyone who is convicted of purposely assaulting, maiming, or killing federal law enforcement animals such as police dogs and horses. Before this law went into effect, police dogs were treated as mere property.
San Diego Homicide and Murder Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is being charged with murder, also known as homicide, it is essential to hire an experienced murder and homicide defense attorney as soon as possible. With capital murder, intent is not even required in certain circumstances, and law enforcement will always push for the harshest penalty whenever an incident with a cop is involved. At the Law Offices of David M. Boertje, we will fight for a just outcome for you. Contact us today if you have been charged with a crime.