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. The case arises from the October 27, 2025 death of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy Andrew Nunez. 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 retention of Justin E. Sterling, a veteran Los Angeles trial attorney whose practice focuses on high-stakes criminal defense, including capital defense, signals a robust defense in a case that has garnered significant public attention. Sterling will serve as defense counsel as the case proceeds through the pretrial and trial stages. His involvement underscores the gravity of the charges and the constitutional stakes involved. In a statement, Sterling acknowledged the tragedy: "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."
The case highlights the tension between public outcry and the legal principle of presumption of innocence. Sterling's remarks emphasize that the defense will not litigate the evidence through the media, stating, "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 prejudicing the outcome. The prosecution's allegations of special circumstances and firearm enhancements, if proven, could lead to the most severe penalties under California law. The defense's strategy will likely involve a thorough examination of the evidence, including the circumstances of Deputy Nunez's death and the conduct of law enforcement. Sterling's experience in capital defense is expected to be crucial in navigating the complex legal and procedural aspects of the case.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the administration of justice in San Bernardino County and beyond. It will test the balance between the community's demand for accountability and the defendant's constitutional rights. As the case moves forward, the defense team's commitment to a fair trial will be closely watched. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has a reputation for handling high-profile cases, and this representation reinforces its role in defending individuals facing the most serious charges. The legal proceedings will proceed in San Bernardino County Superior Court, where both sides will present their arguments. For now, the defense has made clear that it will rely on the judicial process, not public opinion, to determine the truth. The case is expected to draw significant attention as it progresses through the court system.
