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, with special circumstances and firearm enhancements that could result in life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Sterling, a prominent Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, will serve as defense counsel through pretrial and trial stages. The retention signals a robust defense in a case that has drawn significant public attention and carries the weight of the ultimate punishment. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy while emphasizing the constitutional imperatives that govern the proceedings.
"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 decision to retain Sterling, a veteran trial attorney whose practice focuses on high-stakes criminal defense including capital cases, underscores the gravity of the charges. Capital prosecutions demand rigorous scrutiny of evidence, procedure, and constitutional safeguards, and Sterling's involvement suggests the defense will challenge the prosecution's case on multiple fronts. The case also highlights the broader tension between public pressure and the right to a fair trial, particularly in high-profile incidents involving law enforcement officers.
Because the prosecution remains pending, Sterling and the defense team will not litigate the evidence through the media. Additional public statements will be made when appropriate and consistent with Mr. Saldivar's right to a fair trial. The case is expected to proceed through pretrial motions and eventually trial, where the prosecution must prove its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. As a capital case, it will likely involve extensive forensic analysis, witness testimony, and legal arguments over the admissibility of evidence and the constitutionality of the special circumstances alleged.
The outcome could have significant implications for how such cases are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond, particularly regarding the balance between community outrage and the defendant's constitutional rights. Sterling's track record in complex criminal defense may also shape the legal strategies employed. For now, the defense is focused on ensuring a fair process, while the community continues to mourn the loss of Deputy Nunez.
