Yolo
deputies say they forgot WOODLAND (AP) — Yolo County sheriff’s deputies
say they simply forgot to unlock the courtroom doors during the arraignment of
a man accused of killing another deputy.
The
Yolo County Superior Court is conducting an investigation into the incident,
which prevented the public, the defendant’s family and the media from attending
the arraignment.
Deputies
interviewed during the investigation say they locked doors of the courtroom to
let the family of slain deputy Jose Diaz in through a side door.
Deputies
say they forgot to unlock the doors as 35-year-old Marco Antonio Topete of Arbuckle was formally charged with murder.
Investigators say the deputies also violated a court
order when they let dozens of law enforcement officers enter.