Suspect in Pomona SWAT Officer Slaying Charged With Capital Murder

A man accused of fatally shooting a Pomona SWAT officer during a warrant operation was charged with capital murder on Thursday, the same day a prayer vigil was planned for the law enforcement veteran.

Alleged shooter David Martinez, 36,  had his arraignment postponed to Nov. 13, and prosecutors were asking that he be held without bail, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Lincoln Avenue Community Church was organizing the 6:30 p.m. vigil for Officer Shaun Diamond, 45, who was fatally shot in the back of the head during a motorcycle gang investigation Tuesday morning.

Martinez, who was arrested by officers following the shooting, was expected in court sometime Thursday for arraignment. Martinez, who has an extensive criminal history including arrests for domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon, was being held on $4 million bail.

Diamond, a 16-year veteran, was shot in the back of the head almost immediately after "making entry" to the residence while serving a search warrant, sheriff’s officials said. He was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena Tuesday where he underwent surgery and was in the intensive care unit for several hours before he died.

Pomona officers did not shoot back at Martinez because the suspect’s father was in the line of fire, officials said. Martinez, who was the target of the warrant, was taken into custody unhurt.

Colleagues mourned the loss of Diamond, remembering him as a “top-notch guy.”

"He's just a wonderful human being," Pomona Police Lt Mike Keltner said.

Diamond’s mother, Joy Diamond, said her son was a dedicated public servant who “emanated trust.”

"He was just this great big guy and you just knew he was going to take care of business,” Joy Diamond said.

Funeral arrangements are pending. The vigil is set to take place at Mission Boulevard and Park Avenue.

Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report.