Prominent Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling and the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling have been retained to represent Angelo Jose Saldivar in a pending San Bernardino County prosecution stemming from the October 27, 2025 death of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Nunez. The case has drawn significant public attention, and the appointment of Sterling, a veteran trial attorney specializing in high-stakes criminal defense, signals the seriousness of the charges and the complex legal battle ahead.
Mr. Saldivar is charged with 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 Mr. Saldivar to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Such allegations elevate the case to a capital prosecution, requiring a defense team with extensive experience in death penalty litigation. Sterling's retention ensures that Saldivar will have seasoned counsel as the case proceeds through pretrial and trial stages.
The implications of this development extend beyond the courtroom. It highlights the critical importance of ensuring that even in emotionally charged cases, the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are upheld. Sterling emphasized this point in a statement: "This is an extraordinarily tragic case, and we recognize the profound loss experienced by Deputy Nunez's family, his colleagues and the broader community. 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 approach reflects a broader principle in capital cases: the defense must rigorously challenge the prosecution's evidence and hold the state to its burden of proof. By avoiding media trials, Sterling and his team aim to preserve the integrity of the judicial process. This case also underscores the role of defense attorneys in preventing potential miscarriages of justice, particularly when the stakes involve life and death. The outcome will not only affect Saldivar but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond.
For more information about the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit their website. The defense team has stated they will not litigate the evidence through the media and will make additional public statements when appropriate and consistent with Mr. Saldivar's right to a fair trial.
