Man accused of killing off-duty Richmond cop appears in court

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- It was an emotional day Wednesday as the man accused of murdering Richmond police Officer Gus Vegas appeared in court for the first time.

Robert Vega's arraignment was moved to March 2.

It's not unusual for both the families of a suspect and victim to be in court, but in this case both said they were here to support each other.

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

Vega in prison stripes saw both his sister and a woman he called his sister for the first time since his arrest. He is accused of murdering Vegas inside Vegas' Vallejo home last Thursday.

"He did not deserve this at all it's extremely emotional and that is why there's a handful of us here today to support the family and to support the criminal justice system," said Richmond police Lt. Felix Tan.

Richmond police officers escorted Vegas' daughter Bianca, who was in court Wednesday. She told ABC7 News Tuesday she was praying for Vega, a man she considers her brother, while at the same time, grieving her dad's loss.

WATCH VIDEO: East Bay community mourns fallen Officer Gus Vegas

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

Officers arrested Vega at his Fairfield apartment after the shooting. He had his 6-year-old son with him. He's facing a kidnapping charge for that.

The district attorney's office says the murder charge he is facing has an enhancement attached to it.

"He personally and then intentionally fired the gun that resulted in the victim dying," said Eric Charm, Solano County deputy district attorney.

RELATED: Family of slain Richmond officer forgives suspected killer

The maximum sentence is 50 years to life.

"At the end of the day everybody wants to know why, what caused this," Tan said.

Questions only Robert Vega may be able to answer. As he got up to leave, Vega asked the judge if he could say something in court. The judge said no.

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

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