Charges filed against man accused of killing Selma Officer Gonzalo Carrasco

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man accused of shooting and killing 24-year-old Selma Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco is facing first-degree murder charges.

Just before 4:00 p.m. Thursday, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp announced the charges against 23-year-old Nathaniel Dixon. Those charges could lead to a death penalty case against the defendant.

"Well, you know, the murder of a police officer in cold blood in an ambush-style like this was is one of the most egregious crimes that an individual can commit," said Smittcamp.

Smittcamp filed charges of an enhancement of personal and intentional discharge of a firearm causing death, special circumstance and enhancement of murder of a police officer, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Dixon also has a strike offense of a prior violent felony conviction.

"We have a whole process as to whether we do go death on a special circumstances case or we do seek life without the possibility of parole," said Smittcamp.

Smittcamp filed with special circumstances, meaning the death penalty could be pursued.

Despite Governor Gavin Newsom's moratorium on executions, the death penalty remains an option for the prosecution according to defense attorney Tony Capozzi.

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"This governor has put a moratorium on the death penalty," said Capozzi. "That doesn't mean local authorities cannot prosecute for the death penalty or pursue the death penalty."

Dixon's bail is set at more than $1.6 million. He is set to be arraigned in court at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

After Dixon's arraignment a press conference update is set from Fresno Sheriff John Zanoni, Selma Police Chief Rudy Alcaraz, and Smittcamp.