Los Angeles County Deputy Joseph Gilbert Solano, 50, was shot in the head as he waited for food at a Jack in the Box in Alhambra. He was off-duty and in civilian clothes when it happened, authorities said.
Someone in the restaurant had warned him that he was being followed before the shooting Monday, CNN affiliate KABC reported, citing Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
In a statement Wednesday night, Villanueva announced that doctors worked for two days to try and save him, but he'd succumbed to his injuries.
"The entire LASD Family has been shaken by the tragic news regarding the senseless and cowardly murder," he said. "With a heavy heart, and surrounded by Deputy Solano's loved ones, I had to do the hardest thing I have ever had to do -- announce the passing of one of my deputies."
Law enforcement officials gathered to escort his flag-draped coffin from the medical center to the county coroner's office.
"Deputy Solano was known as a kind-hearted and generous family man, a provider for his mother and an exemplary father to his children," Villanueva said. "We are a better department because of his selfless service."
Police arrested Rhett McKenzie Nelson, 30, in the shooting Tuesday. He was initially held on $2 million bail, but after the deputy's death, that changed to no bail, the affiliate reported. Information on his attorney was not immediately available.
Alhambra is about 10 miles from downtown Los Angeles.
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