Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/12/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos Deputy District Attorney: Scott Jamar

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

MURDERER SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR LIFE TERM

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that convicted murderer Jesus Giron Sanchez was sentenced to 16 years to life for the murder of his girlfriend. Zoila Echeverria was stabbed to death by Sanchez on February 19, 2005, as they attended a party in Glen Ellen. On August 14, 2006, Sanchez pled guilty to second degree murder and admitted to personally using a deadly weapon.

Superior Court Judge Lawrence G. Antolini sentenced Sanchez to the maximum term. Family members of the victim came forward to express how devastating it has been for them to deal with the loss of their sister and daughter. They also expressed concern about the impact on Zoila’s young daughter, who dreams of being in her mother’s arms again. They implored the judge to send Sanchez to prison for life. The defendant claimed he could not remember details of the crime, blaming his actions on drugs and alcohol. Sanchez will not be eligible for parole until he serves at least 16 years of his sentence.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Joan Risse was the assigned prosecutor on this case.