A California judge has released a second suspect in a murder case without requiring bail, following a similar decision made weeks earlier. Agustín Sandoval and Vicente Aguilera Chavez face murder charges related to a shooting on June 8, 2017, which resulted in the death of 21-year-old Edu Bellis-Salgado and injury to a 24-year-old. The incident occurred in a nightclub parking lot in Sunnyvale and appears to be gang-related.
This case remained unresolved until 2024, when detectives identified the suspects. Both men have been charged with Salgado’s murder, with authorities stating that Sandoval was driving the vehicle involved.
During a court hearing on Friday, Judge Hector Ramon allowed Sandoval to be released on his own recognizance, meaning he doesn’t have to pay bail. Similarly, Aguilera was released during a hearing on October 31.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen expressed concern that two murder suspects are now free in the community. He indicated that the risks of reoffending and evading justice have increased significantly, stating, “It’s troubling that a murder suspect with a violent background has been released, and now we have two. People’s lives are at stake.” Rosen was particularly surprised by the initial release of Aguilera, emphasizing his criminal history and gang affiliation.
The District Attorney’s office sought to persuade Judge Ramon to reconsider Aguilera’s release but was unsuccessful. They argued that Aguilera’s past—having committed murder in front of witnesses—should weigh heavily against his release.
On the other hand, Sandoval’s public defender argued in court that he hasn’t committed felonies or harmed anyone since the murder charge. Aguilera’s attorney also filed a motion for his release, asserting that there is no evidence of him posing a risk to others and that he has strong community ties.
As the situation develops, it raises questions about the balance between judicial discretion and public safety.
