The District Attorney’s office announced in court Friday that it intends to seek the death penalty against the men accused of murdering a 33-year-old Beaumont man following a carjacking in Yucca Valley. Jose Gomez, 20, and Bryan Valle, 19, both of Earlimart, are accused of stealing a car in Wasco May 9, 2013, driving it to Yucca Valley, where it’s believed they attempted to carjack a car driven Obette Lacap, a pharmaceutical rep from Beaumont. Police say the suspects shot Lacap through the car’s window, killing him. Witnesses said Valle and Gomez got back into their stolen car and fled westbound on Highway 62 to Interstate 10, pursued by CHP and Sheriff deputies, at speeds of 100 miles or more, to San Bernardino. The car crashed into a light pole after exiting the freeway. The Sheriff’s department said when Valle and Gomez got out of the car, they started shooting at law enforcement, who returned fire, killing Bryan Valle, and injuring Gomez. Jose Gomez was in a San Bernardino court room Friday morning for a preliminary hearing when Assistant Deputy Attorney Cary Epstein stated the state would be seeking the death penalty. Jose Gomez is on trial for two counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, carjacking, three counts of robbery, shooting at an inhabited vehicle, and one count of receiving stolen property. Gomez is being held at the West Valley Detention Center with his bail set at $1 million.
