A man suspected of killing San Diego Police officer Jonathan De Guzman, who was a Chula Vista resident, waived his right Monday for a speedy preliminary hearing and will return to court March 16.
The name of De Guzman, known as “JD,” was added in October to a memorial in Chula Vista to note the number of officers slain in the line of duty. Guzman, 43, was shot to death while on patrol July 28 after he and a partner stopped a pedestrian in Southcrest.
That pedestrian is believed to be Jesse Michael Gomez, 55, who is charged with murder, attempted murder of De Guzman’s partner, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and a special circumstance of murder of a peace officer.
The latter charge could lead to the District Attorney’s office to seek the death penalty or a life term in prison without parole. No decision will be made until after the preliminary hearing.
A bill that would rename a Chula Vista post officer after De Guzman has passed the House of Representatives and its author was Rep. Susan Davis (D-San Diego). De Guzman was remembered at a mass at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Bonita on Aug. 4 that was attended by hundreds, which was followed by another service in East County.
Gomez was wounded by De Guzman’s partner, Wade Irwin, following the traffic stop near 37th Street. Irwin was also wounded. Gomez was found unconscious in a ravine.
Gomez has pleaded not guilty and remains in the central jail on $5 million bail.
