Prosecutors consider death penalty for pair accused of killing deputies

Authorities in two Northern California counties that each lost a sheriff’s deputy during a shooting rampage last week say they will jointly prosecute the husband and wife couple arrested in the killings.

Luis and Janelle Monroy face multiple murder charges after allegedly carrying out the shooting rampage Friday that killed Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Oliver and Placer County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Davis.

Prosecutors say Luis Monroy first shot Oliver in a hotel parking lot and then Davis during the ensuing pursuit that crossed into Placer County. Janelle Monroy also faces murder and attempted murder charges for her alleged role as an accessory in the rampage.

The decision to seek the death penalty against either defendant will be up to prosecutors in both counties, Sacramento County Dist. Atty. Jan Scully said Tuesday.

“We know that both departments have an interest in being a part in seeking justice in this case,” she said. “We think it makes perfect sense in our effort to achieve justice for everyone.”

Officials hope to try the case in Sacramento County, so Scully swore in two Placer County officials Tuesday so they could join the prosecution team.

The six-hour ordeal began when Oliver, who was on patrol with his partner, stopped to check on a suspicious vehicle in a Motel 6 parking lot. Officials said Luis Monroy fired a 9mm handgun from the car, fatally wounding Oliver, a 47-year-old father of two.

The couple then tried to carjack a motorist about a mile away, authorities said. When the driver, identified as Anthony Holmes, refused to turn over his keys, he was shot in the head. Holmes remains hospitalized in critical condition.

After failing to commandeer Holmes’ vehicle, officials said, the couple stole another car and drove to Auburn, where they were confronted by Davis and his partner. That’s when Luis Monroy allegedly shot both lawmen with an AR-15.

Davis, 42, later died, while his partner was hit in the arm. Prosecutors allege the Monroys also stole a Placer County sheriff’s vehicle and shotgun.

Luis Monroy was later arrested in a residence while his wife was still inside the car.

The motive for Friday’s shooting remains under investigation, Sacramento County officials said.

In a 14-count charging document, Luis Monroy Bracamonte, 34, also known as Marcelo Marquez, faces two counts of murdering a peace officer and three counts of attempted murder -- including the shooting of the motorist. He was also charged with several carjacking and weapons–related felonies.

Janelle Monroy, 38, is also charged with one count of murder and as an accessory with multiple counts of attempted murder and carjacking.

Law enforcement officials said Luis Monroy had a history of run-ins with immigration officials. He had been deported twice and authorities believe he may have had at least three different aliases and used multiple dates of birth to avoid detection from law enforcement. Janelle Monroy is a U.S. citizen.

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