As a friend of the Santos family, it’s time I correct the
misinformation spread by defense attorney Bud Landreth and John
Sarsfield regarding the alleged weakness’ of the first degree
murder charges brought against Landreth’s client Eliseo Rojas.
Dear Editor,
As a friend of the Santos family, it’s time I correct the misinformation spread by defense attorney Bud Landreth and John Sarsfield regarding the alleged weakness’ of the first degree murder charges brought against Landreth’s client Eliseo Rojas.
The only weakness in this case is District Attorney John Sarsfield. What we have here is a man purporting to be the chief criminal prosecutor for San Benito County who is actually sounding more like an out-of-town defense attorney. Facts:
The court tossed one of Rojas’ two confessions. That leaves one good Rojas confession for the jury to consider. There was also a good confession given by defendant Eusebio Ramos. Both good confessions go into specific details as to who strangled Ralph Santos and who stabbed him.
Rojas was actually caught driving the stolen vehicle
DNA was reportedly found tying Rojas to the murder scene
Both defendants were caught in the possession of Ralph Santos’ credit cards and ID
The preliminary hearing judge found this evidence compelling enough to send both confessed killers to jury trial for first degree murder – life without parole
We’re tired of Sarsfield’s self-righteous, homophobic rhetoric. We resent being lectured by a man whose own alleged personal lifestyle choices and character flaws have adorned the front pages of this newspaper for the past year. It’s time Sarsfield takes a long hard look in the mirror.
It’s also time the judge sets aside this illegal plea-bargain and allows a jury of 12 reasonable people to determine the outcome.
I believe Mr. Santos and his family deserves at least that much.
Richard K. Boomer, Hollister
