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. 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 case and the loss experienced by Deputy Nunez's family, colleagues, and the broader community. "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 underscores the serious nature of the charges and the potential consequences for the defendant. The involvement of an experienced capital defense attorney may signal a rigorous defense strategy aimed at challenging the prosecution's evidence and ensuring a fair trial.
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.
This development highlights the critical importance of the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial, even in cases involving the tragic loss of a law enforcement officer. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the administration of justice in San Bernardino County and beyond, as it tests the balance between seeking justice for a fallen deputy and protecting the rights of the accused.
For more information, visit the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling.
