Suspected Palm Springs cop killer to face death penalty, authorities say

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against a man charged with fatally shooting two officers in Palm Springs earlier this month, authorities said.

The Riverside County District Attorney on Wednesday announced his intention to seek the death penalty against 26-year-old John Felix.

He has pleaded not guilty to murder, attempted murder and weapons charges.

He's being held without bail in the shooting deaths of 27-year-old Officer Lesley Zerebny and 63-year-old Officer Jose "Gil" Vega.

Zerebny was a rookie officer just back from maternity leave. Vega was just months away from retirement.

Prosecutors say the officers were responding to a domestic disturbance call on Oct. 8 when Felix opened fire through a metal screen door at his family's home.

Prosecutors say Felix is a gang member.

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