Solemn procession follows slain Richmond officer to funeral home

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- Surrounded by the salutes of his brothers in blue, the body of Richmond police officer Gus Vegas was solemnly transported from the Coroner's officer Tuesday to Skyview Memorial Lawn in Vallejo.

Traffic was stopped as police escorted the casket from the coroner's officer to the Vallejo mortuary.

He will be laid to rest Friday, two days after his suspected killer, a man who called him "dad," faces his first court appearance for the crime.

RELATED: Community in mourning after beloved off-duty officer shot in Vallejo home

Nearly all of Officer Vegas' family members were at the funeral home. It is likely several of them will also be at Robert Vega's court proceedings. They say Vega, who is accused of killing Officer Vegas, is like family. Vega's first court appearance is set for Wednesday afternoon.

Having already survived what family members say was one of the most difficult days of their lives the Vegas family came together again Tuesday.

WATCH VIDEO: East Bay community mourns fallen Officer Gus Vegas

Their journey began in Fairfield, as motorcycle escorts guided a vehicle carrying Officer Vegas' body to Skyview Memorial Lawn in Vallejo.

"It was almost like that protection still from just going from Fairfield to Vallejo and that's how my dad was," said Officer Vegas' daughter Bianca Vegas.

Bianca Vegas says Gus Vegas was the family's protector. No sacrifice was too great when it came to providing for them.

RELATED: Family of slain Richmond officer forgives suspected killer

"He ate fish sticks and applesauce for the last 10 years," she said.

The Vegas family watched as his flag draped coffin was carried inside. Another part of his journey before he'll be laid to rest Friday.

"That's what brings me peace is knowing where my dad is and knowing that he'll never leave," said Bianca Vegas.

Bianca Vegas says her family is praying for suspect Robert Vega who they consider family. "That was a very special relationship to us," she said.

Vallejo police Tuesday turned the case over to the Solano County District Attorney's Office.

"It's under review by our office right now and that we will file all appropriate charges," said Krishna Abrams, the Solano County District Attorney.

According to military records, Robert Vega served in the Army from 2004 to 2009. He deployed to Kuwait in 2005 and Iraq in 2006. While his Fairfield neighbors have said he suffered with PTSD-related issues Officer Vegas' family says they're focused on forgiveness.

"We have to love like God loved," Bianca Vegas said.

A GoFundMe account has been set to the help the Vegas family. For more information, click here.

Also, the Richmond Police Officers' Association has created an account at Mechanics Bank in Officer Vegas' memory. All donations will go towards helping the Vegas family.

Mechanics Bank
Routing number: 121102036
Account number: 041305213
Richmond POA in memory of Gus Vegas