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 the pending San Bernardino County prosecution arising 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.
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 high-stakes allegations necessitate a rigorous defense to ensure that the judicial process is fair and impartial.
Mr. Sterling will serve as defense counsel as the case proceeds through the pretrial and trial stages. His involvement brings a high level of expertise to a case that could have profound implications for all parties involved. The retention of a prominent attorney like Sterling underscores the seriousness of the charges and the complexity of the legal issues at hand.
In a statement, Sterling said, "This is an extraordinarily tragic case, and we recognize the profound loss experienced by Deputy Nunez's family, his colleagues and the broader community." He continued, "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 experience in such matters is crucial in navigating the complexities of a capital case, where the stakes are at their highest.
The importance of this case extends beyond the courtroom. It raises critical questions about the balance between the presumption of innocence and the public's demand for accountability, especially in cases involving the death of a law enforcement officer. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in San Bernardino County and beyond.
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. This approach aims to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and prevent pretrial publicity from influencing the outcome.
For more information on the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit https://www.sterlingdefense.com. The legal community and the public will be watching closely as this case develops, given its potential impact on capital punishment and the administration of justice in California.
