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 Mr. Saldivar with murder and related offenses. Prosecutors have alleged special circumstances and firearm enhancements that, if proven, could result in a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
The retention of Justin E. Sterling, a prominent Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, signals a rigorous defense in one of the most closely watched cases in the region. Sterling will serve as defense counsel as the matter proceeds through pretrial and trial stages. His involvement underscores the high stakes for both the defendant and the community, particularly given the capital nature of the charges.
In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the gravity of the loss while emphasizing the legal 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. 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 case highlights the tension between the public's demand for accountability in the killing of a law enforcement officer and the defendant's right to a fair trial. Capital cases in California are inherently complex, often involving extensive pretrial motions, expert testimony, and lengthy jury selection. Sterling's reputation as a veteran trial attorney focusing on high-stakes criminal defense, including capital matters, suggests the defense will mount a thorough challenge to the prosecution's evidence and special circumstance allegations.
Legal observers note that the prosecution's decision to seek special circumstances elevates the case beyond a standard murder trial. If convicted, Saldivar could face the ultimate penalty, making the quality of his legal representation a matter of life and death. The defense team has indicated it will not litigate the evidence through the media, a strategy aimed at preserving the integrity of the judicial process and preventing pretrial publicity from tainting the jury pool.
The case also brings attention to the broader debate over capital punishment in California, where moratoriums and legal challenges have created a complex landscape for prosecutors and defense attorneys alike. Sterling's retention ensures that Saldivar will have a robust defense, but it also places the case squarely in the public eye, with implications for how such high-profile prosecutions are conducted.
For more information about the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, visit https://www.sterlingdefense.com. The firm has not commented further, citing the pending nature of the proceedings. Additional public statements will be made when appropriate and consistent with Mr. Saldivar's right to a fair trial.
