The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has 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. The prosecution has alleged special circumstances and firearm enhancements that, if proven, could result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. The retention of a prominent Los Angeles defense attorney signals the beginning of a rigorous legal battle that will test the boundaries of constitutional protections in a highly charged environment.
Justin E. Sterling, a veteran trial attorney specializing in high-stakes criminal defense and capital cases, will serve as defense counsel through pretrial and trial stages. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy while emphasizing the foundational legal principle of presumption of innocence. "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."
The involvement of a defense attorney of Sterling's caliber highlights the gravity of the charges and the potential consequences. Capital cases, particularly those involving the death of a law enforcement officer, often attract intense public scrutiny and can pressure the judicial system to expedite proceedings. Sterling's commitment to avoiding media litigation reflects a strategic effort to preserve the integrity of the trial and prevent pretrial publicity from prejudicing the jury pool. This approach is critical in ensuring that Saldivar receives a fair trial, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.
The case also raises broader questions about the death penalty in California. Although the state has a moratorium on executions, capital prosecutions continue, and the outcome of this case could influence future decisions on seeking death sentences in similar circumstances. The defense's intention to conduct a comprehensive investigation suggests that they will challenge the prosecution's evidence and possibly the special circumstances allegations, which are often pivotal in capital cases.
As the legal process unfolds, the balance between seeking justice for Deputy Nunez and upholding the constitutional rights of the accused will be under intense scrutiny. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has indicated that additional public statements will be made when appropriate and consistent with Saldivar's right to a fair trial. For now, the focus remains on the judicial proceedings, where the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are paramount. The outcome of this case will not only affect the individuals involved but also set a precedent for how capital cases involving law enforcement deaths are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond.
