The death penalty is being sought by the District Attorney’s office against a man charged with killing a San Diego Police officer who lived in Chula Vista and for whom the Eastlake post office is named.
Officer Jonathan “J.D.” De Guzman, 43, was shot to death on July 28, 2016, and his partner Wade Irwin was wounded in the Southcrest area of San Diego following an 11 p.m. traffic stop.
De Guzman’s name was engraved in Oct., 2016 on a police officers’ memorial in Chula Vista. He lived in Chula Vista with his wife and two children. A dedication ceremony took place in March, 2017 at the Eastlake post office at 830 Kuhn Drive. His funeral mass was at a Bonita church.
Murder and a special circumstances charges were filed against Jesse Michael Gomez, 57, which could lead to his execution if he is convicted of first-degree murder and killing an officer during the performance of his duties. He is also charged with attempted murder of Irwin, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Gomez appeared Feb. 5 before San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Smyth and his preliminary hearing was again delayed until June 18. Deputy DA Michael Runyon confirmed his office is seeking the death penalty and Gomez’s attorneys were informed of the decision in Dec., 2017.
De Guzman was a 16-year veteran with San Diego Police and he and his partner were shot allegedly after they tried to detain Gomez. Irwin shot Gomez and he was hospitalized with a wound to his upper body.
De Guzman has a memorial with photos on findagrave.com.
Gomez has repeatedly waived the right to have a speedy preliminary hearing. It is estimated the hearing will take a week and a judge is expected to order a murder trial. Gomez has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail. without bail.
