Camacho guilty of first-degree murder

By: TERI FIGUEROA Staff Writer | Monday, November 14, 2005 9:36 PM PST ∞

Adrian Camacho gestures to his wife, Stacey, after the guilty verdicts were read in his murder trial of Oceanside police officer Tony Zeppetella on Monday.
Don Boomer
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VISTA ---- Adrian George Camacho, the man who pumped 13 bullets into a rookie Oceanside policeman in June 2003, is guilty of first-degree murder, a jury decided Monday.

Special Report



The jury's finding could land Camacho on California's death row.

The 30-year-old Camacho slumped his shoulders, slid his hands in front of him on the table and hung his head as Judge Joan Weber read the jury's verdict in front of a packed courtroom Monday afternoon.

Across the room from Camacho, Jamie Zeppetella ---- the young widow of slain Officer Tony Zeppetella ---- smiled softly as the judge read the verdict.

Moments later, Stacey Camacho ---- who is Adrian Camacho's wife and the mother of their two children ---- began to shake uncontrollably, red-faced as she clutched a tissue and cried.

After the courtroom cleared, Stacey Camacho began hyperventilating, and paramedics arrived with a stretcher. Her husband's attorneys later walked the shaken woman out of a side door and ushered her into her mother's waiting sport utility vehicle.

It took just under six hours of deliberations and a rehearing of testimony for the seven-woman, five-man jury to find Camacho guilty on all counts, including not only the murder, but also charges that Camacho had heroin for sale and was a felon in possession of a gun.

But most significant is Camacho's conviction of first-degree murder and the jury's additional findings of two special circumstances: first, that Camacho killed Zeppetella to avoid arrest, and second, that Zeppetella was a policeman.

Only a first-degree murder conviction, coupled with the special circumstances, would make Camacho eligible for the death penalty.

Camacho's attorneys had asked the jury to consider a conviction ranging from involuntary manslaughter to second-degree murder.

With Monday's first-degree murder verdict, the jury's job is not done. On Nov. 28, the panel will reconvene for about two days of testimony before they decide if they should recommend Camacho for the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A deadly shootout

Witnesses to the gunbattle said it looked like a routine traffic stop when Zeppetella pulled up behind Camacho's car in the jam-packed parking lot of Navy Federal Credit Union at Avenida de la Plata and College Boulevard in Oceanside.

The traffic stop quickly erupted into a shootout.

According to testimony, Camacho probably fired the first bullet into Zeppetella as the officer stood at Camacho's car window. Camacho got off about five shots from his fully loaded semiautomatic before Zeppetella could return fire, witnesses said.

Already bleeding to death, Zeppetella fell to the ground and fired back, striking Camacho in the leg as Camacho got out of the car.

Camacho pumped more bullets into Zeppetella, one of them striking his upper arm and severing the bone. Prosecutor David Rubin said that, from that point, Zeppetella was probably no longer able to shoot back.

Witnesses testified that Camacho emptied his gun as the mortally wounded Zeppetella tried to crawl for cover. Camacho then pistol-whipped Zeppetella and stole the officer's gun, firing the final shots into Zeppetella with Zeppetella's weapon.

The last four shots of the gunbattle can be heard on a 911 call made by a witness to the shooting, a woman who told police dispatchers that an officer had been shot and the gunman had sped off in the officer's patrol car. Squealing tires can also be heard on the 911 recording.

Camacho broke into and hid in his mother-in-law's upscale Oceanside home about a mile from the site of the shooting.

Inside the home, Camacho slit his wrists and scrawled apologetic messages on the bathroom tile in blood.

About four hours after the shooting, following a negotiation lasting about 10 minutes, police coaxed Camacho from the home.

Mental state core of case

During the three-week trial, prosecutor Rubin maintained that the surprise attack on Zeppetella was an ex-con's cold attempt to escape capture.

At the time of the gunbattle, Camacho had four felony convictions as an adult, including two for drugs, one for being a felon with a gun and one for evading police.

Camacho is also a twice-deported illegal immigrant, although he first entered the country as an infant and was raised in Oceanside. Before the shooting, Camacho had been told he faced up to 20 years in prison if found in the country again, according to court documents.

Jurors knew Camacho was a felon, but they were not told of Camacho's immigration status nor his history as an Oceanside gang member.

The defense admitted during the trial that Camacho was in fact the one who shot Zeppetella, but argued the long-time heroin addict was in the throes of a drug-fueled delirium when he pulled the trigger.

Camacho's blood, drawn six hours after the shootout, contained a mix of heroin, methamphetamine and the prescription anti-depressant Paxil.

Camacho's mental state at the time of the gunbattle became the core of the defense's case.

Three psychiatrists were called to testify. The defense hired a psychiatrist to evaluate Camacho and his actions at the time of the shooting; the prosecution did the same. The two doctors had conflicting diagnoses of Camacho.

But the jury also heard from psychiatrist Dennis Ordas, who treated Camacho for drug addiction and depression during the 13 months leading up to the parking lot shootout. Ordas was also the psychiatrist on duty in the Vista jail the morning after the gunbattle, and had a chance to see Camacho that day as well.

Ordas testified two weeks ago that Camacho at times seemed "highly motivated" to kick his long-time addiction to heroin, but that the longest Camacho stayed clean during his attempts at rehab was 10 days.

He also diagnosed Camacho with an anti-social personality disorder ---- a finding more in line with the diagnosis of the psychiatrist hired by the prosecution.

It was Ordas' 90 minutes of testimony that the jury asked to rehear on Monday morning. Shortly thereafter, the panel reached its verdict.

"One step closer to healing"

After the verdict, Tony Zeppetella's widow declined to comment. Speaking on her behalf, attorney Greg Emerson ---- who is representing Jamie Zeppetella as the plaintiff in a related civil suit ---- called the verdict "one step closer to healing."

"There's some relief (for Jamie) in that Tony was trying to take this guy off the street, and now that's what's going to happen," Emerson said.

The verdict came two days before Jamie Zeppetella's birthday, and a month and a half after her late husband would have turned 30. It also came three weeks before their son turns 3 years old.

Tony Zeppetella's mother, reached by phone at her Paso Robles home Monday afternoon, said she immediately cried on hearing the news of the first-degree murder conviction for her son's killer.

"I was such a nervous wreck," Renate Zeppetella said of the wait for a verdict. She later added, "I still don't have my Tony back."

About three hours after the verdict, Jamie Zeppetella, with her and her late husband's young son by her side, placed two large bouquets of balloons at the black three-foot-tall monolith that serves as Tony Zeppetella's memorial, in the parking lot where he was shot.

One of the Mylar balloons read "Congratulations." The other read "You are my hero."

The widow also left a large vase of flowers. She kneeled as she wrote on the card she would tuck into the bouquet.

"You've always been my hero," she wrote. "We love you and miss you."

Contact staff writer Teri Figueroa at (760) 740-3517 or tfigueroa@nctimes.com.

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Larry O wrote on Nov 14, 2005 9:57 PM:It was a surprise to read that Camacho's wife went into hysterics upon hearing the verdict and Tony's wife just smiled softly. I am saddened that it will take 10 years or more for Camacho to be in a higher court to answer for his actions again. On the day Camacho is put to death his punishment will last forever. May he burn in Hell.

Ted wrote on Nov 14, 2005 10:47 PM:Yet another illegal immigrant costing thousands of dollars, and a human life. Will the pro-immigration folks cry for the killer to be released because he had a tough time growing up???

Debbie wrote on Nov 14, 2005 10:51 PM:This tragedy is a prime example of our governments lack of security concerns for our borders. Camacho was a twice convicted and deported felon. Why was he still on the streets? Mrs. Zeppetella should be suing the federal government for their lack of concern for the safety of our citizens. Federal and state governments harbor illegal felons openly. Illegals are rewarded time and again for their entry into our country. The federal and state government is as responsible for this tragedy as the killer.

Mike H wrote on Nov 15, 2005 7:03 AM:Just another example of our failed immigration system. This man should never have been deported but jailed earlier and as an illegal alien, should never have been able to re-enter the U.S. We have got to get our act in order and keep illegal aliens out of this country. Do not let them in and get those already in, out! Simply a tragedy that might well have been prevented if the immigration sytem was enforced!

Mike wrote on Nov 15, 2005 7:04 AM:He needs to be put to death.

Duke wrote on Nov 15, 2005 7:26 AM:This guy was deported twice, and twice he came back to commit crimes and eventually murder someone. If we enforced our borders better, this guy would still be in Mexico, and Tony would still be alive.

Estela wrote on Nov 15, 2005 9:10 AM:Although I believe Camacho deserves to be punished. The death penalty has not yet proven to be an effective deterrant of crime. The US is one of the countries with the highest crime rates, and the highest people put to death for crimes. It just does not add up, does not deter, and only lowers ourselves to the level of killers. Give him the highest sentence because realistically he may not be able to rehabilitate.

william wrote on Nov 15, 2005 9:29 AM:i hope that the ruling of this jury is allowed to stand and not get over turned by some judge who feels that the jury did not understand how complex the case was and he will make it ok.

toni wrote on Nov 15, 2005 10:32 AM:I'm glad that he, Camacho, got convicted and that he will, because he will, get the death penalty. however, it's upseting that some people's focus is on illegal immigrants. It's stupid to say that all immigrants are criminals. What about the animals that are not illegal aliens and do even worse crimes? This country was made on immigrants and everyone should be judged on their individual actions and not on thier legal status.

Natalie wrote on Nov 15, 2005 11:05 AM:Camacho should not be put on death row but let him live for the years to come in prison where he cannot scape. He deserves to be punish for the rest of his life. Putting him in a death row will only lessen his punishment. Make sure that he does not scape from prison for he is not only a convict killer who kills the hero, he is also an illegal alien.

Joey wrote on Nov 15, 2005 11:13 AM:Glad to see that justice has been served to this low life piece of scum. maybe this will be a signal to the other low life scums (gang bangers in Oceanside).

Billy wrote on Nov 15, 2005 11:28 AM: In our society killing cops is about the worst crime one can commit, In mexico it happens daily.

Les wrote on Nov 15, 2005 12:04 PM:Estela, Estela, Estela, come on. There is no evidence that the death penalty deters crime because we don’t actually put anybody to death. People grow old and die on death row. If the appeals process were speeded up so that the cases were reviewed, and the convict whacked within a couple years, I believe the deterrence factor would be huge. Hey Larry O, how’s retired life?

Lisa wrote on Nov 15, 2005 3:17 PM:i only hope that this scumbag, Comacho gets to feel one-tenth of the pain and fear that i'm sure Officer Zapatella felt in his last moments of life. life in prison without the possibilty of parole isn't even enough - he needs to be executed and truly experience what that feels like. if he is allowed to mix in general population in prison, he will surely revert to his gangbanger lifestyle and probably be heralded as a hero by the other garbage in there.

Bob wrote on Nov 15, 2005 3:50 PM:This (Camacho) is a sick man and should never get out of prison. The death panalty only confirms my belief that the American justice system is a sick joke.

Larry O wrote on Nov 15, 2005 4:34 PM:Great Lester....and I still think I should have shot him when he came out of the house....wink.

Fred K wrote on Nov 15, 2005 4:45 PM:Let's get some usefulness out of this POS. Instead of the costs we will be paying for his court and prison fees, let's stand him up at the police shooting range and use him for target practice. I hope his two rugrats don't grow up to follow his footsteps.

Kirsten wrote on Nov 15, 2005 7:44 PM:Les is right! The fact of the matter is that Camacho if given the death will sit in prison for 40 or more years and in fact will most likely die of natural causes! He needs to be given the death penalty 1) because it is the RIGHT justice to be given and 2) because it is the only way to keep him from being able to socialize with other prisioners and "train" the ones that will be getting out at some point and time! On death row he will be kept more to himself and have less effect on others! As for his wife's "show" in the court room~ PLEASE! you can not tell me you thought he was really going to walk away again! And to Mrs. Zeppetella ~ what class and grace!

Ted wrote on Nov 16, 2005 8:36 AM:Some are saying that the death penalty doesn't deter anything. Show me one person who has been executed who then committed a crime. It does work, he will harm no one again...

Richard wrote on Nov 16, 2005 6:09 PM:The death penalty should never be considered a deterrent. The death penalty is a specific punishment for a particular crime. Deterrent should only be a vague afterthought.

Steve C wrote on Nov 17, 2005 4:12 AM:Good comments, Les (re: "Estela, Estela, Estela"). In theory, however, the death penalty does deter at least one person from crime: the convicted felon. What with the recidivsm rate in this country over 75 percent, I'd say the death penalty isn't applied widely enough. Put the convicted of a violent crime felon to death, and one thing society can count on: that person won't get out to commit more, and generally more violent crimes.

Steve C wrote on Nov 17, 2005 4:12 AM:Good comments, Les (re: "Estela, Estela, Estela"). In theory, however, the death penalty does deter at least one person from crime: the convicted felon. What with the recidivsm rate in this country over 75 percent, I'd say the death penalty isn't applied widely enough. Put the convicted of a violent crime felon to death, and one thing society can count on: that person won't get out to commit more, and generally more violent crimes.

Dale K wrote on Nov 20, 2005 7:09 PM:Give him death..... Even if he dies of old age in prison, all his efforts will be at preserving his life... not trying to get out. If he gets life without parole, who is to say that down the road some liberal court won't declare that cruel and unusual punishment and let him walk.

MAYRA wrote on Dec 18, 2005 11:09 PM:CAMACHOS COUSIN IS MY FRIEND AND I THINK THAT EVERY ONE THINKS THAT HE DESERVES THE DEATH PENALTY. ALL THE COMMENTS ON HERE ARE ON THE SIDE OF THE COPS! HONESTLY LETS SEE HOW MANY LIFES THE COPS HAVE TAKEN AND GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT. I AM TOTALLY ON THE CAMACHOS FAMILY SIDE! MUCH RESPECT AND GOD BLESS!!!!!!!

Lucas wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:54 PM:Camacho needs to die, an Officer should never be killed in the line of duty, Mrs Zeppetella demonstrated what a Christain really is. Now, lets remember what the risk of being a Police Officer really is, and thank the next one you see.
Im sure that Camacho was taught at soem point and time to stay away from drugs, gangs, and respect the police. He did none of it, now he must pay. I for one will possible be an Oside PD Officer, after the Corps, knowing the risks, and be willing and able. If for nothing else, for Tony.

Gino wrote on Jul 18, 2008 10:52 PM:To ALL Illegal immigration comments:

Tony Zeppetella's crime was horrible. Immigration has nothing to do with this. We have good people that are US citizens and bad people that are not US citizens. Zeppetella like myself was from from Italian descent. Italians were immigrants and like any other immigrants we have good people and bad people. Unless you are Native American you're ultimately an immigrant.

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