Man Gets 26-Year Sentence for Role in Slaying of Officer

A Pomona Superior Court judge Thursday sentenced a 19-year-old Rosemead man to 26 years to life in prison for his role in the June 9 murder of Glendora police officer Louis Pompei.

Daniel Hernandez, who told authorities he was the driver of the getaway car used in the killing, avoided the death penalty in the case by agreeing to testify against his brother, Larry Hernandez, 16, of West Covina and another defendant, Robert Ramirez, 17, of San Gabriel.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Mark Arnold said Daniel Hernandez has already given testimony at his brother’s preliminary hearing. Both Ramirez and Larry Hernandez have pleaded not guilty to murder and are being tried as adults. If found guilty, however, the youths under state law could not be sentenced to death because they are juveniles.

Friends and family of Pompei wept and hugged after they heard the sentence. While Arnold said he was pleased with the verdict, Pompei’s fellow officers were dismayed.

“Do I think it’s just?” asked Glendora Police Officer Tim Crowther, a close friend of Pompei. “As a law enforcement officer, my professional answer is yes. My personal answer--probably not.”