LA Deputy Charged With Murder in Father's Day Slaying

Francisco Gamez was arrested Wednesday in connection with the June 17 slaying of Armando Casillas in Sylmar

A murder charge has been filed against a veteran L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy accused in the Father’s Day slaying of a man in Sylmar.

The charge was filed ahead of a court appearance for Francisco Gamez, 41, a 17-year deputy.

At a brief hearing Thursday, Gamez stood with his back to reporters and cameras. His arraignment was postponed to Dec. 12.

Gamez faces charges of murder, attempted murder and the use of a gun in connection with the June 17 death of Armando Casillas.

Gamez was arrested Wednesday and his bail was set at $4 million.

He’s accused in the off-duty killing of Casillas, who was gunned down outside his parent’s home in the 14000 block of Beaver Street. He was 38.

The incident was sparked by a fight involving Gamez's son and neighbors, prosecutors said.

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Gamez was contacted after the fight by his eldest son.

Gamez allegedly drove to the area, confronted the 38-year-old Casillas and another man, and fired two shots. Casillas was killed; the other man, identified as was not hit, prosecutors said.

Gamez has worked out of the West Hollywood Division since 2005, officials said.

He was put on paid leave pending the outcome of the case. Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said proceedings would begin Thursday to stop Gamez's pay, and termination was likely.

"The off-duty acts that led to the arrest of Francisco Gamez are deeply disturbing to me and to the entire Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department," Sheriff Lee Baca said in a statement Wednesday.

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