RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) - A judge has ruled that the man accused of killing two California police officers in an ambush-style attack is mentally fit to be executed if found guilty.
The Los Angeles Times reports the judge on Friday rejected a defense motion to strike the death penalty for John Felix. His attorneys contend the 28-year-old is too intellectually disabled to face capital punishment.
Felix has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Palm Springs officers Lesley Zerebny and Jose “Gil” Vega were killed in 2016 while responding to a call about domestic violence. Prosecutors say Felix was wearing body armor when he opened fire on the officers with an AR-15 rifle.
Vega was a 35-year veteran months away from retirement when he was killed.
Zerebny was a rookie officer just back from maternity leave.
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com/
Please read our comment policy before commenting.