A chilling pattern is emerging in California’s justice system. A second man, accused of murder in a brazen shooting, has been released back into the community without having to post a single dollar for bail.
The case centers around a June 2017 nightclub parking lot shooting in Sunnyvale, a scene allegedly fueled by gang rivalry. Twenty-one-year-old Edu Veliz-Salgado lost his life, and another young man suffered serious injuries, but the investigation stalled for years.
Detectives with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety recently revived the case, identifying Agustin Sandoval and Vicente Aguilera-Chavez as the suspects. Sandoval is accused of being the driver of the vehicle from which the fatal shots were fired, while Aguilera-Chavez also faces a murder charge.
Judge Hector Ramon made the controversial decision to release both men on their own recognizance – a promise to appear in court, without any financial obligation. This means they are free to move about the community while awaiting trial.
The District Attorney, Jeff Rosen, expressed profound concern, stating that releasing two accused murderers dramatically increases the risk of re-offense or flight. He emphasized that public safety is paramount and that these decisions have life-or-death consequences.
Rosen was particularly alarmed by Aguilera-Chavez’s history. He described the suspect as a documented gang member with a violent past and two prior prison sentences, characterizing him as a clear and present danger to the public.
The District Attorney’s office actively attempted to persuade Judge Ramon to reconsider Aguilera-Chavez’s release, arguing that his criminal history and the brazen nature of the murder – committed in front of witnesses – outweighed any perceived lack of recent arrests.
Defense attorneys presented contrasting arguments. Sandoval’s lawyer claimed he has remained law-abiding since the alleged crime, while Aguilera-Chavez’s attorney asserted his client’s innocence and strong community ties, arguing he poses no threat.
The defense maintained there was no evidence to suggest Aguilera-Chavez was involved in the shooting and that he is motivated to clear his name. They argued there was no compelling reason to detain him, either for public safety or fear of him fleeing.
The unfolding situation has ignited a debate about the balance between due process and public safety, raising serious questions about the criteria being used to determine pre-trial release and the potential risks to the community.
The District Attorney’s office fears the court is gambling with public safety, relying on a period of inactivity to justify releasing a man accused of a violent crime. The question now is whether this gamble will pay off, or if the community will bear the cost of this controversial decision.
