Veteran Los Angeles Defense Attorney Justin E. Sterling to Represent Angelo Saldivar in San Bernardino County Capital Murder Case

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling have been retained to represent Angelo Jose Saldivar in a San Bernardino County capital murder prosecution stemming from the October 27, 2025 death of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Nunez. The case, filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court as Case No. FWV25004311, charges Saldivar with murder and related offenses. Prosecutors have alleged special circumstances and firearm enhancements that, if proven, could result in a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.

The involvement of Justin E. Sterling, a veteran Los Angeles trial attorney known for high-stakes criminal defense and capital cases, signals the gravity of the proceedings. His retention highlights the complex legal and constitutional questions at play when the state seeks the ultimate punishment. The case has drawn public attention, and Sterling's statement emphasized the need to balance the community's grief with the defendant's constitutional rights.

"This is an extraordinarily tragic case, and we recognize the profound loss experienced by Deputy Nunez's family, his colleagues and the broader community," Sterling said. "At the same time, the Constitution requires that Mr. Saldivar be presumed innocent and that the allegations against him be tested through a fair and impartial judicial process — not through district attorney press conferences, headlines or public speculation. Our team will conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation, scrutinize the prosecution's evidence, and ensure that Mr. Saldivar's constitutional rights are protected at every stage of these proceedings."

Sterling's comments point to a broader concern in capital litigation: the influence of pretrial publicity and public statements by prosecutors. His vow to challenge the evidence and protect Saldivar's rights underscores the adversarial nature of death penalty cases, where the defense must often counteract not only the prosecution's case but also public sentiment. The decision to avoid litigating the evidence through the media, as stated by the defense team, reflects a strategic effort to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and prevent tainting the jury pool.

The implications of this retention extend beyond the courtroom. Capital cases are resource-intensive and require specialized expertise, and Sterling's background in capital defense suggests the defense will mount a rigorous challenge to the special circumstances allegations. If the prosecution succeeds, Saldivar could face execution—a outcome that carries immense moral, legal, and social weight. The case also raises questions about the fairness of the death penalty in San Bernardino County, a jurisdiction that has seen its share of high-profile capital prosecutions.

As the case proceeds through pretrial and trial stages, the defense's commitment to a comprehensive investigation and constitutional scrutiny will be central. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled, particularly regarding the balance between public accountability and the presumption of innocence. For now, Sterling's involvement ensures that the legal process will be robust, with both sides presenting their arguments in court rather than in the media. The case remains pending, and further public statements will be made only when appropriate and consistent with Saldivar's right to a fair trial.