Family of slain off-duty Richmond officer forgives suspected killer

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- The family who loved Richmond police officer Gus Vegas honored his memory Friday and took a moment to say thanks.

Vegas was killed in his Vallejo home early Thursday in a domestic dispute involving his grandson's father.

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

The family gathered Friday at the Church on The Hill in Vallejo where the family gathered.

Gus' wife Sandra Vegas said her entire family has already forgiven Robert Vega. Vega is accused of shooting and killing Officer Vegas.

WATCH VIDEO: East Bay community mourns fallen Officer Gus Vegas

"Growing up with a dad that would literally wear his shoes until the soles of the shoes would separate just to make sure we had food on the table," said Joe Vegas, Gus' son Friday afternoon.

The Vegas' are a family whose love knows no limits.

"The compassion, the generosity and the love we are receiving was a testament to the life that he led," said Joe Vegas.

His life was marked by service. "A life as a police officer that he devoted to protecting others and a life as a father, that he ultimately sacrificed while protecting his family," Joe Vegas said.

Officer Vegas' life ended early Thursday morning. The father of one of his grandchildren, 30-year-old Robert Vega, is accused of shooting and killing him. Sandra Vegas said Vega called Gus "Dad."

In a moment of gripping fear, Sandra says she jumped from the home's second story window. She said she didn't think she'd see her 6-year-old grandson again. Officers apprehended Vega who had the little boy without incident at his Fairfield apartment.

Any loss is tragic, especially a fallen officer. This loss is equally confusing. And while answers are hard to come by, the faith that guided the Vegas family to open to their hearts to love is the same faith that's keeping their hearts open now.

"Through God and family and friends we will get through this and I know it brings peace to my dad to know that we won't do it alone," Jope vegas said.

Sandra Vegas said her husband was her protector and she was the one who got to hear his stories every night.

If you would like to help the Vegas family, there are two options.

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

Click here for full coverage on the Richmond Officer Gus Vegas.