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Dash cam video used to convict deputy’s killer

Deputy Tony Diaz was killed out of anger and a desire to retaliate, judge said

By Police1 Staff

YOLO COUNTY, Calif. — Dash cam video helped earn a death sentence for the killer of a Yolo County deputy when it was shown in court last month.

Purported gang member Marco Topete shot and killed Deputy Tony Diaz in 2008 after leading the officer on a dangerous vehicle chase.

Topete is seen aiming his vehicle toward Diaz several times in the video.

He eventually comes to a dead end, and Diaz radios dispatch that he believes the suspect fled to the right.

Facing away from Topete, Diaz is hit with gunfire. Several shots are heard on the tape, and the last three are Diaz firing back, according to KCRA. He then takes cover and calls for help, holding the site of the wound.

When backup arrives, officers run to retrieve Diaz, who is still talking as police get him ready for immediate transport by ambulance to the hospital, where he died.

Yolo County Superior Court Judge Paul Richardson said Diaz was killed out of “anger and a desire to retaliate,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He sentenced Topete to death Feb. 8.

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