Exclusive: Family of fallen officer speaks about difficulties of extended trial
In an extended case plagued by delays and suspensions, there was a day of seeming certainty. Today, John Hernandez Felix appeared in court once again, but as he left, he had several definitive dates for return; a trial readiness conference set for April 27, an Atkins hearing set for October 9, and a tentative trial date set for October 23.
On October 8, 2016, Felix allegedly shot and killed veteran training Officer Jose Gilbert Vega, 63, and rookie Officer Lesley Zerebney, 27. In addition to the two murder charges, Felix faces an additional six charges of attempted murder; altogether, these offenses could warrant the death penalty.
And for the defense, the Atkins hearing will prove to be pivotal for keeping Felix from facing capital punishment.
On October 9th, Felix’s defense can make an argument that Felix’s intellectual disabilities would disallow him from being eligible for the death penalty. This date has drawn the attention of Gloria Vega, the granddaughter of Officer Gil Vega.
“I think it’s funny that the court date, the Atkins hearing is coming on the day after the two year anniversary. That’s the first thing that kind of popped into my head. I can’t believe we’re going on two years before anything actually happens, but it’s better than nothing.”
Late last summer, the case picked back up after another delay. For four months criminal proceedings were suspended after Felix’s attorney’s declared doubts regarding his competence. On September 28th, he was deemed competent to stand trial, and his case picked back up.
Through each hearing for Felix, the Vega family has been there in court, powering through the difficulty.
“It’s to keep his memory alive to show that he was a person and he had people who cared about him,” said Gloria Vega. “It’s been rough, It’s been rough for all of us. You know, you have my uncles and aunts, and they have their moments.”
But throughout all of it, the family has stuck together.
“The thing is that we have such a big family and we’re not going through it alone,” said Vega.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
