The case was also featured on CBS’ 48 Hours.
In February 2015, Erika Sandoval shot and killed her ex-husband, Exeter price officer Daniel Green. She was later arrested for his murder. In October 2019, Ms. Sandoval went to trial, represented by attorney Dan E. Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm. In early December, the judge declared a mistrial when the jury could not reach a verdict as to her guilt.
Ms. Sandoval admitted to killing her ex-husband. The trial came down to one important question: was the killing justified based on ongoing domestic abuse and possible sexual abuse of their child?
At trial, attorney Chambers put together a compelling argument that Mr. Green had emotionally and physically abused Ms. Sandoval throughout their relationship. Ms. Sandoval testified about the violence in their relationship and how she was afraid to report her ex to the police because he was also an officer. A colleague of Ms. Sandoval’s testified that she witnessed Mr. Green’s verbal and physical abuse of her, while a former police officer who worked with Mr. Green testified about complaints about Mr. Green’s conduct while on duty.
According to Ms. Sandoval, on the morning that she shot Mr. Green, she had gone to his house to snoop around. While there, she alleges that she saw two photographs depicting child pornography. Shortly after she found the pictures, Mr. Green arrived at his house, and Ms. Sandoval hid in the closet of their son’s bedroom. She “snapped” after becoming obsessed with the possibility that Mr. Green was abusing their young son. She then shot and killed him.
Tulare County criminal defense attorney Dan Chambers presented a strong closing argument that called the jury’s attention to Mr. Green’s controlling, obsessive and abusive behavior. After nearly a week of deliberations, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The judge then declared a mistrial.
Ms. Sandoval was facing the death penalty if convicted of first degree murder. While prosecutors have pledged to try Ms. Sandoval again, the mistrial means that she will have another opportunity to convince a jury of her innocence. A new trial date has not been set for the case. Shortly after the mistrial was declared, the case was featured on 48 Hours. Attorney Chambers offered his insight into the case on the show.
The Sandoval case was complex and involved a substantial amount of evidence — including a confession by Ms. Sandoval. In this situation, where a defendant accused of murder has admitted to the crime, achieving a mistrial is a victory. At a second trial, Ms. Sandoval’s Tulare County criminal defense attorney can present more evidence to demonstrate that her killing of Mr. Green was justified.
The Chambers Law Firm is committed to representing clients throughout California who have been charged with criminal offenses — including murder. We thoroughly investigate each case to put together strong factual and legal defenses to the charge, and stand by our clients throughout the process. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with a Tulare County criminal defense attorney, contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com.
