The case dates back to October 14, 2018, when police say a fight broke out just before 3 a.m. at a Halloween party outside an auto shop in East Palo Alto. A gunman opened fire, shooting four people and killing two: 23-year-old Mario Vidales Mendez and 22-year-old Eduardo Sandoval.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:01AMTwo families who have waited eight years for justice in the shooting deaths of their sons learned Monday they will have to wait even longer, after a court appearance for the suspected gunman was postponed until Tuesday.
The case dates back to October 14, 2018, when police say a fight broke out just before 3 a.m. at a Halloween party outside an auto shop in East Palo Alto. A gunman opened fire, shooting four people and killing two: 23-year-old Mario Vidales Mendez and 22-year-old Eduardo Sandoval. For the victims' families, the years since have been marked by grief and unanswered questions. Veronica Sandoval said her son's bedroom door has remained closed since the day he died. "A hell, there's no other words to describe, just living life empty," she said. "Every step that I take, I'm in the same steps that he was. His room has been locked for eight years now. It's hard," she said. Investigators say the suspect fled to Mexico shortly after the shooting. Family members said they felt a mix of relief and renewed pain when they learned he had recently been taken into custody and brought back to the United States."It was, mixed emotions, like, happy, finally. I'm also sad because this starts all over again," Sandoval said."For years, we have carried this grief with no answers and no justice. Today does not erase our pain, but it gives us strength to keep going." The suspect had been expected to be charged Monday, but the hearing was delayed, raising concerns among advocates. "There was an arrest warrant. That means his office had reviewed it years ago. That means a judge signed off on a warrant. And now to be told that charges may not be filed. It's outrageous," said Margaret Petros, executive director ofThe district attorney's office told us they could not provide specific details about the delay, but said they are working closely with East Palo Alto police. Prosecutors must make a filing decision by 11 a.m. Tuesday
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palo Alto woman looking for ways to help monarch butterflies thriveMonarchs are in the midst of breeding and egg-laying season.
Read more »
Palo Alto woman looking for ways to help monarch butterflies thriveMonarchs are in the midst of breeding and egg-laying season.
Read more »
Juez mexicano pone multa millonaria a dueño de avión estrellado en Cuba en 2018Un juez mexicano consideró acreditado que el avión que se estrelló hace casi ocho años en Cuba, provocando la muerte de 112 personas, tenía graves fallos de mantenimiento y no debería haberse permitido su vuelo, por lo que condenó a la empresa mexicana propietaria de la aeronave a pagar una millonaria indemnización por daños morales a las familias...
Read more »
Middle East Tensions Trigger Heated Congressional Debate Over U.S. Oil Export PolicyRising Middle East instability sparks a intense political disagreement over whether the United States should restrict oil exports to lower domestic gas prices.
Read more »
East Cleveland residents say neighborhood decline continues despite calls to cityResidents on Potomac Avenue say their neighborhood has declined over the years, with abandoned homes and illegal dumping becoming regular problems.
Read more »
SDSU basketball adds highly-decorated point guard from East CoastChance Gladden, who averaged 14.4 points for Boston University as a freshman, is the third transfer to commit to the Aztecs.
Read more »