VIDEO: Man accused of killing 2 NorCal deputies smirks, shouts profane threats in court

KABC logo
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Man accused of killing 2 CA deputies smirks, shouts threats in court
A suspect standing trial in the slayings of two Northern California deputies had several outburst in court, including saying he wished he killed more cops.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KABC) -- A suspect standing trial in the slayings of two Northern California deputies had several outburst in court, including saying he wished he killed more cops.

Luis Enrique Monroy Bracamontes' murder trial began Tuesday. He called one slain officer's partner a "coward" and repeatedly and profanely interrupted court proceedings.

Prosecutor Rod Norgaard was describing in his opening statement how Deputy Scott Brown retreated under heavy fire that killed his partner, Sacramento sheriff's Deputy Danny Oliver, outside a Sacramento motel in October 2014.

Bracamontes' wife, Janelle Monroy, is also charged in the slayings of Oliver and Placer County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Davis Jr. during a daylong crime spree.

Bracamontes grinned, then called Brown a "coward" before he was admonished by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Steve White to remain silent.

"I wish I had killed more of the mother-------," Bracamontes told jurors, adding that "I will break out soon and I will kill more, kill whoever gets in front of me...There's no need for a f------ trial."

White briefly removed the jury as defense attorneys said Bracamontes' statements were more signs that their client is unfit to stand trial. The judge also warned Bracamontes that he could be removed from court.

They were the latest in a series of outbursts by Bracamontes.

On Wednesday, Bracamontes shouted profane threats in English and Spanish moments after court proceedings began for the day.

His public defenders renewed their request to allow him to plead not guilty by reason of insanity, in part because of his frequent courtroom outbursts.

Judge White denied the request and ordered Bracamontes, 37, removed until he promised to behave himself. He was later allowed to return to the courtroom.

"I'm going to kill one of you (expletive)," Bracamontes told jurors as the jury was escorted out of the courtroom.

Bracamontes could face the death penalty if convicted, while his wife could face life in prison.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.