The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling have been retained to represent Angelo Jose Saldivar in the San Bernardino County 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. Prosecutors have alleged special circumstances and firearm enhancements that, if proven, could result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Attorney Justin E. Sterling, a veteran Los Angeles trial attorney, will serve as defense counsel through pretrial and trial stages.
The retention of Sterling, whose practice focuses on high-stakes criminal defense including capital cases, signals the gravity of the charges and the resources likely to be devoted to the defense. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy while emphasizing the constitutional 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."
Sterling added that his 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 defense's approach reflects a broader legal principle: even in cases involving the death of a law enforcement officer, the accused is entitled to a vigorous defense and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. Capital prosecutions are among the most complex and costly in the criminal justice system, requiring heightened procedural safeguards and often spanning years. The decision to seek special circumstances and firearm enhancements elevates the stakes for both the prosecution and the defense. If the case proceeds to trial, it will likely draw significant public attention, testing the community's ability to separate emotion from evidence. Sterling's pledge not to litigate the evidence through the media further underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of the judicial process. Additional public statements will be made when appropriate and consistent with Mr. Saldivar's right to a fair trial.
For more information about the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit justinsterlinglaw.com.
