LOS ANGELES (KNX) — A state appeals court panel ruled Thursday to uphold the conviction of an Inglewood man accused of fatally shooting his wife execution style in front of their four children.
Andy Steve Valadez, 38, was convicted last year of second-degree murder, criminal threats, and child abuse in connection with shooting his wife, Sandra, in the head in Nov. 2015. The victim’s aunt reportedly entered the home when she heard gunfire and struggled with Valadez over the weapon after he threatened the couple’s children, according to prosecutors.
Valadez was arrested later that day by Inglewood police. He is serving a 56-year-to-life sentence in state prison.
In a two-to-one ruling, the Second District Court of Appeal held that Valadez exhibited “prior acts of violence” against Sandra, and “a pattern of marital discord” that indicated Valadez was well-aware of the consequences of his actions when shooting his wife in the head at point-blank range.
In his sole dissent, Acting Presiding Justice Luis Lavin wrote that he would have reversed the judgment and remanded the case for retrial due to a juror being removed from the case prior to deliberations on the basis that he did not adequately speak English.
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