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 attention due to the nature of the charges and the potential consequences for the defendant.
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. The involvement of a prominent defense attorney like Sterling underscores the high stakes of the case and the complexity of the legal issues involved.
Mr. Sterling will serve as defense counsel as the case proceeds through the pretrial and trial stages. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy of the situation while stressing the importance of due process. "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."
Justin E. Sterling is a veteran Los Angeles trial attorney whose practice focuses on high-stakes criminal defense cases, including capital defense. His retention in this case highlights the serious nature of the charges and the potential for a lengthy and contentious legal battle. The case may also raise important questions about the use of the death penalty in California, where executions have been halted under a moratorium since 2019.
Because the prosecution remains pending, Mr. 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 the San Bernardino County Superior Court, where both sides will present their arguments. For more information on the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit https://www.sterlingdefense.com.
The outcome of this case could have implications for how capital cases are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond, particularly regarding the balance between the pursuit of justice and the protection of constitutional rights. As the legal process unfolds, it will be closely watched by legal observers and the community alike.
