Gascón’s DA Office Gave El Monte Cop Killing Suspect Probation on Gun Charge

The city of El Monte, CA, is mourning two police officers killed in the line of duty and now, some are saying their alleged killer should have been behind bars and wasn’t because of the policies of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

Justin Williams Flores is accused of killing El Monte police officers Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana Monday. Flores was killed when police returned fire. 

Court records indicate Flores had a previous criminal record dating back to 2010 and was recently charged as a felon in possession of a firearm, Fox 11 reports.

The 35-year-old was offered a plea deal by District Attorney George Gascón's office in 2021. Flores, who officials say is a known gang member, received the bare minimum sentence with no jail time and was placed on probation.