Man Charged with Murder of Deputy in California Pleads Not Guilty

UPDATE: A man charged with the murder of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Nunez has pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance on October 25, 2023. Angelo Jose Saldivar, 47, appeared in a wheelchair due to a back brace as he faced a series of serious charges stemming from a tragic domestic violence incident in Rancho Cucamonga.

The arraignment was postponed pending medical clearance for Saldivar, who is accused of shooting Deputy Nunez while responding to a domestic dispute. Prosecutors have filed 10 charges against him, including murder with special circumstances for killing a peace officer in the line of duty.

During the court session, Saldivar entered a not guilty plea to multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping and false imprisonment of his ex-wife. Investigators report that he was engaged in a violent argument with her outside a condo complex when the incident escalated.

“Most of those other victims were actually reporting parties that were calling in to 911, and in some of those instances, you can actually hear in the 911 call some of the shots that were fired,” said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson.

Deputy Nunez, who had served six years with the department, was fatally shot while trying to assist those in danger. Tragically, he leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old daughter, and another child on the way. Funeral arrangements are currently being organized, as his sacrifice resonates deeply within the community.

After the shooting, Saldivar fled on a motorcycle, leading deputies on a high-speed chase along the 210 Freeway before being apprehended following a crash orchestrated by an off-duty narcotics deputy.

Saldivar is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court next week for a preliminary hearing. The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with authorities emphasizing the need for community support during this tragic time.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus acknowledged the public’s desire to participate in memorial activities, stating, “We know the public wants to be involved in this, and we are going to try and make all those considerations, obviously taking what the family wants.”

As this story develops, the community remains vigilant, grappling with the impact of this loss and the ongoing legal proceedings against Saldivar. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.