Meet Deputy DA Christopher Mancilla

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is highlighting employees whose experiences, backgrounds and dedication to public service help strengthen our office and the communities we serve.

Born and raised in San Diego’s Shelltown neighborhood in Southeast San Diego, Deputy District Attorney Christopher Mancilla has built his career around a commitment to serving and protecting the community he calls home. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 2017, he spent four and a half years as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, representing low-income clients in unlawful detainer cases.

Today, Christopher serves as a team leader in the Narcotics Division at the Hall of Justice and as the office’s Overdose Death Case Coordinator. In these roles, he supports and advises prosecutors, reviews case resolution offers, and works with local, state and federal partners to investigate and prosecute overdose death cases. His work reflects a commitment to accountability and to protecting families and neighborhoods from the devastating effects of drug-related crime.

What inspired you to pursue a career in public service and join the DA’s Office?

“Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, I saw firsthand that the primary victims of crime and violence are the hardworking, everyday people living within those very neighborhoods. I’ve always felt a strong sense of duty to serve the public and a career in law enforcement provides me with the opportunity to protect the vulnerable people who remind me of my own family, neighbors, and friends.”

What is your favorite part of your job?

“My favorite part of the job is the people I work with. In this line of work, we go through a lot together, and it builds a bond you can’t really find anywhere else. The Narcotics Division has become like a second family to me.”

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

“In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, working out and hanging out with my wife and two sons.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, and why is it important?

“I look at Hispanic Heritage Month as a recognition of how our culture is a natural part of the American fabric. It’s a reminder that Hispanic communities share the same core ideals that define this country—hard work, resilience, and a deep dedication to family and community.”