The retention of prominent Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling to represent Angelo Jose Saldivar in a San Bernardino County capital murder prosecution underscores the high stakes and intense public scrutiny surrounding the case. The charges stem from the October 27, 2025 death of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Nunez. Saldivar faces murder and related offenses in San Bernardino County Superior Court, Case No. FWV25004311. The prosecution has alleged special circumstances and firearm enhancements that, if proven, could expose Saldivar to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Sterling's involvement brings national attention to a case that has already generated significant local interest. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy while emphasizing the legal principles at stake. "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 is a veteran Los Angeles trial attorney whose practice focuses on high-stakes criminal defense, including capital defense. His decision to take on this case signals that the defense will mount a rigorous challenge to the prosecution's evidence and procedures. The case's capital nature means that if the prosecution succeeds in proving special circumstances, Saldivar could face the ultimate penalty. This elevates the importance of effective legal representation and raises broader questions about the death penalty's application in California, where executions are currently halted under a moratorium but capital prosecutions continue.
The defense team has indicated it will not litigate the evidence through the media, a strategy aimed at preserving Saldivar's right to a fair trial. This approach contrasts with the public nature of the charges and the potential for pretrial publicity to influence potential jurors. Sterling's statement highlights a critical tension in high-profile criminal cases: the public's right to information versus a defendant's constitutional right to an impartial jury. By refusing to try the case in the press, the defense seeks to ensure that the judicial process, rather than public opinion, determines the outcome.
The case also draws attention to the broader issue of violence against law enforcement officers and the community's response. Deputy Nunez's death is a profound loss, and the prosecution's pursuit of capital charges reflects the seriousness with which such crimes are viewed. However, the defense's role is to ensure that the state meets its burden of proof and that Saldivar receives a fair trial, regardless of public sentiment.
For more information about the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit https://www.sterlingdefense.com. As the case proceeds through pretrial and trial stages, Sterling's representation will be closely watched, not only for its impact on Saldivar's fate but also for its implications for the administration of justice in capital cases. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond, particularly regarding the balance between aggressive prosecution and the protection of constitutional rights.
