Man accused of killing off-duty Richmond police officer makes 1st court appearance

FAIRFIELD, Calif. (KTVU) - The man accused of killing an off-duty police officer from Richmond appeared in A Fairfield courtroom on Wednesday. At one point, Robert Vega asked the judge if he could say something, but Vega’s attorney and the judge both told the defendant no.

It was Vega’s first court appearance on murder charges. He’s accused of murdering Officer Augustine “Gus” Vegas at the officer’s Vallejo home.

Video cameras weren’t allowed in the Solano County Superior Courtroom, but still images of Vega clad in a striped jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled to his waist can be seen.

The defendant did not enter a plea. He is the father of the officer’s 6-year-old grandson.

The sister of the accused killer didn’t want to comment afterward; neither did the officer’s family. Richmond police attended the brief court hearing.

"It's extremely difficult right now. It's trying to process everything that's going on. Gus has not been sent off. The family just wants the justice system…” said Lt. Felix Tan with Richmond Police.

It was about 4:30 a.m. last Thursday when police say Vega shot and killed the 15-year department veteran at his home in Vallejo’s Glen Cove neighborhood.

Vega allegedly kidnapped his son and drove to Fairfield where he was arrested.

Prosecutors would not disclose a motive in the case. If convicted of murder and a gun enhancement, Vega could face 50 years to life in prison.

“Any time a police officer is killed…sad time for our community,” said Eric Charm, Solano County Deputy District Attorney.