A man in the United States illegally was convicted Friday of killing two Northern California deputies in a case that helped fuel the national immigration debate.
Luis Bracamontes was found guilty of shooting Sacramento County sheriff’s Deputy Danny Oliver in 2014, then killing Placer County sheriff’s Det. Michael Davis Jr. hours later.
“Yay,” he said softly after first verdict read, looking at the victims’ families and jurors with slight smile.
“I’m going to kill more cops soon,” Bracamontes said as he was led away.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Bracamontes, who has repeatedly blurted out in court that he killed the deputies and wished he had killed more. The penalty phase of his trial starts March 5.
Defense attorneys argued that Bracamontes is mentally ill and was high on methamphetamine during the shootings and should be spared. A judge found Bracamontes competent to stand trial and he refused to plea not guilty by reason of insanity.
Bracamontes is a Mexican citizen who repeatedly entered the United States illegally.