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Man accused of killing Officer Tara O'Sullivan charged with murder

Court records show Adel Sambrano Ramos, 45, was charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal weapons.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The man accused of shooting and killing Sacramento Police officer Tara O'Sullivan appeared in court Monday for the first time.

Adel Sambrano Ramos,45, wore shackles on his hands and feet as he was escorted into court by three officers. He remained in a caged cell for the entire arraignment.

A large bandage was taped across his forehead, presumably from a self-inflicted injury sustained on Sunday.

Judge Michael A. Savage read aloud all of the felony charges and special circumstances against Ramos during the five-minute hearing. Ramos was appointed public defender Diane Howard. He spoke only to acknowledge his name and did not enter a plea.

He was charged with the murder of Officer Tara O'Sullivan, according to court documents obtained by ABC10. 

The murder charge comes with special circumstances. The special circumstances in the case accuse Ramos of knowing O'Sullivan was a peace officer performing her duties, and killing her "while lying in wait," which generally means that he took her by surprise before she knew an attack was coming.

He's also charged with attempting to kill O'Sullivan's training officer and with possessing two illegal assault-style rifles. Assistant Public Defender Diane Howard declined comment, as did Police Chief Daniel Hahn.

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Prosecutors allege that Ramos had two AR-15 style rifles assembled from parts to create assault weapons that are illegal in California. One had a pistol grip and telescoping stock, the other a non-fixed magazine and with a pistol grip, according the charges. 

Around 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, several officers were on a domestic disturbance call along the 200 block of Redwood Avenue in north Sacramento. O'Sullivan was helping a woman collect her belongings and leave a home when she was shot, according to Sacramento Police Sgt. Vance Chandler.   

O'Sullivan, 26, died at UC Davis Medical Center later that night.

WATCH ALSO: Man accused of killing Fallen Officer Tara O'Sullivan appears in court

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