Inmate who shot a 67-year old Santa Ana woman denied parole

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2014

PAROLE DENIED FOR INMATE CONVICTED OF KILLING 67-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN 2000 DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

SANTA ANA – The Board of Parole Hearings, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, denied parole for a man convicted of killing a 67-year-old woman in a drive-by shooting in 2000. Carlos Eduardo Sanchez, 30, is currently being held at Calipatria State Prison, Calipatria. Sanchez was sentenced Sept. 20, 2002, to 15 years to life in state prison after he was found guilty of one felony count of second degree murder. The case was originally prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Sonia Balleste.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Olivieri was present to oppose Sanchez’s parole. The inmate will be eligible for his next parole hearing in 2019.

Circumstances of the Case

At approximately 9:50 p.m. on April 22, 2000, then-16-year-old Sanchez and two of his fellow gang members, 25-year-old Jorge Martinez and 23-year-old Antonio Leal, drove through the residential area of a rival gang with the intent to fire upon rivals. The inmate and his fellow gang members shot several rounds toward a house where rival gang members were standing outside.

As they drove by and shot into a neighboring house, the men murdered 67-year-old Adela Rios. The victim was inside her home and hit by the inmate’s bullet, which penetrated the front metal screen door.

The three men fled the scene at a high rate of speed, but ultimately lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a building and proceeded to flee on foot. Sanchez and Martinez were the only two apprehended. Leal escaped and currently has a warrant for his arrest in this case.

Lack of Insight, Rehabilitation, and a Threat to Public Safety

While in state prison, Sanchez has been cited for six prison rule violations, including two violations for possession of a deadly weapon, two violations for possession of alcohol, and one violation each of theft and the manufacture of an electrical outlet.

Sanchez has failed to show complete insight and remorse into his life offense. Rather than taking responsibility for the murder, Sanchez continues to deny that he was aware of the shooting that was going to occur.

In the OCDA’s parole opposition letter, the People state, “While in state prison, the inmate has not been able to follow rules, in spite of being in a confined institution.” The People also state that Sanchez’s prison rule violations “appear to have been gang-related.”

Sanchez’s possible gang affiliations, his inability to follow rules in a structured environment, and his lack of insight into his crime demonstrates the risk he poses to the community and will not be released.

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Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney 401 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami Spokesperson Office: 714-347-8405 Cell: 714-323-4486