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Photo of a court gavel over a law book on a desk with the scales of justice and more books in the background.

Pedophile Sentenced to Prison for Repeatedly Sexually Abusing Two Young Girls

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Christopher T. Gardner, 33, has been sentenced to 325 years-to-life in prison for his serial sexual abuse of two young girls who were only 6-years-old when the abuse began.

Gardner molested the girls, who were relatives, over a 5-year period.

“Predators who rob children of their innocence and inflict lifelong trauma do not belong in our communities,” DA Stephan said. “This sentence sends an unmistakable message to abusers: you will be held accountable. I am deeply grateful to our specialized sexual abuse prosecution team for their dedication in bringing a measure of justice to the survivors.”

The abuse came to light when one of the girls was at a sleepover with her friend. In confidence, the victim confided that she had been touched inappropriately. The best friend felt this was too serious to keep secret and told her mom. Law Enforcement was contacted and investigated the case, ultimately arresting Gardner for sexual abuse. After his arrest, a third victim – another relative – also came forward. Now a young adult, the third victim disclosed that when she was about 7 or 8, the defendant had her orally copulate him.

During the trial, the first two victims testified to multiple acts of abuse including oral copulation, sexual penetration and sodomy. The third victim testified to the oral copulation incident that occurred many years prior. After a nine-day trial, Gardner was convicted of all 15 felony sex abuse charges on May 22.

Deputy District Attorney Miriam Shoval prosecuted this case.

Photo of woman who was victim of cold case homicide, with her name written in white text below the photo: Margaret Orozco Jackson, 47.

Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for 1990 Cold Case Murder Solved Through DNA Evidence

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that 65-year-old Randall Oyler has been sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison for the 1990 murder of Margaret Orozco Jackson, 47, whose body was discovered on a hillside in Scripps Ranch more than three decades ago.

[WATCH: Emotional victim impact statement by the victim’s niece at the sentencing hearing, here.]

On May 19, 2026, a downtown San Diego jury convicted Oyler of first-degree murder following a trial that highlighted the critical role of DNA technology and the perseverance of law enforcement investigators who never stopped pursuing justice for the victim.

“This case is a powerful reminder that justice has no expiration date,” DA Stephan said. “For 35 years, Margaret Jackson’s family waited for answers. Thanks to DNA evidence and the unwavering commitment of investigators and prosecutors, the person responsible for this brutal murder has finally been held accountable. Cold case victims matter, and our office will continue to pursue justice no matter how much time has passed.”

On July 11, 1990, a woman walking to work discovered a length of rope on a sidewalk near Scripps Ranch Boulevard. The rope led down a hillside to the body of Margaret Orozco Jackson. Investigators determined Jackson had been beaten and strangled, with the rope wrapped around her neck.

Despite extensive investigative efforts at the time, the case remained unsolved for decades.

The breakthrough came when the defendant’s DNA was entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) when he was convicted of drug trafficking in 2018. The DNA from the victim was tested and uploaded following further work by SDPD cold case homicide investigators. DNA recovered from beneath Jackson’s fingernails and from other areas of her body was matched to Oyler, identifying him as the suspect more than 30 years after the crime occurred.

Oyler was arrested in 2023 while already in custody on a probation violation. During the investigation, prosecutors obtained incriminating statements Oyler made while speaking with an undercover jail operative posing as an inmate. Jurors heard recordings in which Oyler discussed the circumstances of the killing. In one conversation, he acknowledged that the victim had scratched him. In another, he stated that he had “thrown her down a hill.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Lindberg, who leads the DA’s Cold Case Homicide Unit.

“The successful resolution of this case demonstrates the importance of preserving evidence and continuing to review unsolved homicides,” DA Stephan said. “We are grateful to the investigators, forensic scientists, and prosecutors whose dedication made this conviction possible. I want to especially thank our DA’s office lead cold case prosecutor Chris Lindberg for his outstanding work on this case.”

If you have information about a cold case homicide, contact the San Diego County District Attorney Cold Case Connection at (619) 515-TIPS (8477).

Photo of gavel on a table and scales of justices with law books in the background.

Parents Convicted of Starving 3-Month-Old Baby to Death Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that the parents who starved to death their 3-month-old daughter and who were convicted of second-degree murder by separate juries at a trial in February, have been sentenced to prison.

Brandon Copeland and Elizabeth Ucman each were sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

“Baby Delilah entered this world healthy and full of promise and within three months she died of starvation at the hands of her parents,” DA Stephan said. “Cases that involve parents who harm their babies are haunting and our specialized child abuse prosecutor Franciesca Balerio fought to be the voice for this defenseless baby and to bring a measure of justice and dignity where none existed in her short life. Her parents chose to withhold the care every infant deserves, and because of that, baby Delilah never had the chance to grow or thrive. It’s time the defendants have the time to fully reckon with the consequences of their actions.”

Copeland, 25, and Ucman, 26, were arrested in November 2021 after police responded to their City Heights apartment following a report that their infant was unresponsive and in need of medical attention. Baby Delilah was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, and her parents were taken into custody shortly afterward.

The parents, who were 21 and 22 at the time of Delilah’s death, were tried in February in a single proceeding before two separate juries, with each panel responsible for determining the guilt of one defendant.

During the trial, Deputy District Attorney Franciesca Balerio told jurors that Delilah weighed only 3.64 pounds at the time of her death, less than half her healthy birth weight. With no underlying medical conditions, the evidence showed her death resulted solely from prolonged starvation and neglect. Starvation is slow, visible, and impossible to overlook. Delilah’s decline unfolded in plain sight, yet the defendants sought no help, provided inadequate nutrition, and failed to obtain medical care.

Photo of a court gavel over a law book on a desk with the scales of justice and more books in the background.

Ex-Convict Who Viciously Stabbed MTS Bus Driver Sentenced to Prison

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a man who stabbed an MTS bus driver in August 2024 nearly a dozen times as passengers looked on, has been sentenced to prison.

Mario Felix, 51, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder in March, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison.

“No one should fear for their life as they are performing their job, especially while they are in service to others as the victim was in this case by providing transportation to commuters,” DA Stephan said. “Unfortunately, attacks on bus drivers and other transportation workers have increased. As District Attorney, I want these valuable workers to know that they deserve safety and dignity and attacks against them will be taken very seriously. I want to commend the victim for his courage in persisting in the pursuit of justice alongside our team despite all of the severe injuries from this vicious attack and the emotional trauma that this caused.”

In August 2024, the MTS bus driver was making a stop at the Escondido Sprinter Station when Felix boarded the bus and asked for a free ride. When the driver told Felix that he must pay, he became enraged and demanded the driver’s wallet and threatened to kill him before unleashing a series of ferocious stabs, severely injuring the victim.

Witnesses followed Felix and he was later arrested by police hiding behind a dumpster and the bloody knife was found nearby.

Deputy DA Keith Watanabe and Deputy DA Miranda Tomaneng prosecuted this case with care and dedication. The DA victims services team provided support to the victim all along the way.

 

Photo of woman, Ericka Wilson, in front of photo of Hall of Justice building.

NorCal Man Sentenced to LWOP for Brutal Murder of Estranged Wife

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that a 34-year-old Northern California man was sentenced for the January 2022 stabbing death of his estranged wife in Spring Valley.

Kandynn Wilson, who was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder and a lying in wait special circumstance in December, was sentenced to life without parole plus one year in prison for killing Ericka J. Wilson, 29, his wife of six years and mother of their child. [WATCH the emotional victim impact statements from her family at the sentencing hearing.]

“This Defendant murdered his estranged wife in cold blood displaying a vicious brutality in lying in wait and stabbing her multiple times,” DA Stephan said. “We must keep fighting to safeguard victims of domestic violence and hold their abusers accountable. I’m grateful for the service of the jury that rendered this just verdict and for the work of law enforcement and our prosecution team. I hope today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice to the heartbreaking loss of the victim’s family.”

In January 2022, Kandynn Wilson took a vacation day from work and drove from Oakland to the victim’s place of employment, waiting for her to get off work so he could ambush her in the parking lot. After realizing he was at the wrong location, he drove to her apartment complex and parked in her parking lot. He reclined his seat and waited for her to return from work. Close to midnight, as Ericka Wilson pulled into the parking area and began to get out of her vehicle, the defendant approached her wearing a ski mask. He grabbed her and carried out a brutal stabbing attack, inflicting 23 wounds to her neck. She died at the scene. A brave neighbor saw the attack, and chased the defendant with a bat, forcing him to flee on foot and leave behind his vehicle, gloves, and murder weapon.

He was located a few hours later covered in Ericka’s blood.

“Intimate partner violence continues to be one of the most common and dangerous forms of violence we confront, and this case is a stark reminder of its devastating impact,” DA Stephan said.

In 2024, seven people were killed by a current or former intimate partner and there was one additional homicide victim, such as a family member, new boyfriend, or bystander, who died during domestic violence related incidents. While this is an increase from five domestic violence-related homicides the prior year, these types of homicides continue to remain lower than the average from the prior two decades. Figures for 2025 won’t be available for several months.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Alexandra Lorens.

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Prison Sentence for Defendant who Killed Girlfriend’s Tenant over Rent Dispute

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 75-year-old man, who killed the tenant of his girlfriend over a property dispute in East County, has been sentenced to prison for the 2020 murder.

Michael Hughes was sentenced to 50 years-to-life in prison for the shooting death of Mario Velasquez Cardoso, 46. A jury found Hughes guilty of first-degree murder in September 2024.

“This defendant carefully planned and carried out a deliberate act of murder that mercilessly ended the life of Mario Cardoso,” DA Stephan said. “I am proud of the thorough investigation by the Sheriff’s Office that solved this murder and the dedicated prosecution by Deputy District Attorney Shane Waller and team that brought justice in this case.”

On an early morning in November 2020, Hughes drove to Cardoso’s home in Ramona. Hughes’ girlfriend, the landlord at the house, had been feuding with Cardoso’s family for months. Hughes decided to end the feud and took matters into his own hands by executing Cardoso.

In the weeks leading up the murder, Hughes and staked out the house and removed a key surveillance camera that would have clearly captured the killer. Hughes set a trap by closing a driveway gate, forcing Cardoso to get out of his car and open it. Hughes then moved to his sniper position to wait for his victim to walk into the kill zone. When Cardoso tried opening the gate so he could go to work, Hughes fired a single shot that killed Cardoso, then calmly walked away from the scene and to his truck hidden in a nearby field. Hughes was identified as a suspect by Sheriff’s homicide detectives and contacted 16 hours later, but there was not enough evidence to arrest him at that time.

It was clear Hughes carefully planned the murder. He conducted reconnaissance on the house, tested his rifle in the days leading up to the murder, disposed of the murder weapon, wiped his computer history, and attempted to place blame on an innocent third party.

Thanks to Sheriff’s homicide detectives, led by Detective Eric Garcia, a thorough investigation including the review of tens of thousands of surveillance videos, interviews, and multiple searches proved Hughes killed Cardoso.

Photo of Gavel and prison cell.

Violent Bank Robber Sentenced to Prison for Four Armed Heists Committed in Three Years

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a violent and armed bank robber, who terrorized bank employees, made off with hundreds of thousands of dollars, and was eventually convicted by a jury of 30 felony counts in connection with four bank robberies across multiple jurisdictions, has been sentenced to life in prison.

Larry Lightning Jr., 45, was sentenced to 488 years and eight months in prison following a four-week trial that included 76 witnesses and extensive evidence entered into the record. The felony convictions included:

  • 10 counts of kidnapping
  • 12 counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm
  • 4 counts of robbery
  • 3 counts of auto theft
  • 1 count of kidnapping for robbery

“This defendant orchestrated a terrifying crime spree that put the lives of bank workers and community members in danger,” said DA Summer Stephan. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, he has been held accountable for his crimes and the fear and harm he caused. While the defendant proved elusive for years, law enforcement never gave up its work to solve this string of crimes.”

Beginning in 2019 and over the span of four years, Lightning was the leader in four violent armed take-over robberies across San Diego County. In each of the robberies, he stole a vehicle close in time to the robbery that he used as a getaway car and staged a second vehicle he transferred to less than a mile from the bank, leaving the stolen car behind. Lightning covered himself from head to toe with gloves, a hoodie and a mask before he stormed each bank with his gun drawn, jumping over the teller counter.

The defendant grabbed bank employees by their hair and pulled, pushed, and shoved them into the vault at gunpoint. He yelled at them to go faster, and even counted down, threatening to kill them if they did not get the safes open fast enough. The victims testified about the fear they felt, with some saying they believed they were going to die, and that they said goodbye to their children. Lightning emptied the vaults of all cash and escaped with almost $400,000 in total from the robberies.

The case went unsolved with no leads until June 2022, when a DNA hit from the driver’s seat of a stolen vehicle came back to the defendant. The FBI performed an extensive follow-up investigation using warrants, surveillance video collection and physical surveillance with the evidence pointing to this defendant. His cell phone records and DNA in each of the stolen cars used in the robberies also contributed to his conviction. After hearing all the evidence and arguments, the jury found defendant Lightning guilty of all counts and allegations, including all the aggravating factors charged in the criminal complaint.

“I want to especially thank Deputy District Attorneys Kristie Nikoletich and Savanah Howe for their outstanding work in presenting a thorough and compelling case to the jury,” Stephan said. “Their commitment to justice and protecting our communities along with the support of the DA and law enforcement teams helped ensure this dangerous individual will no longer be a threat.”

Stock photo of two bullet rounds on the floor next to a crime scene marker.

Defendant Sentenced for First-Degree Murder of Ex-Girlfriend’s Fiancé

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Jesse M. Alvarez has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus an additional 25 years to life for killing Mario Fierro, the fiancé of his ex-girlfriend, in February 2021.

Last March, a jury found Alvarez, 34, guilty of first-degree murder, including the special circumstance of lying in wait.

“The defendant ambushed the victim and repeatedly shot him to death in a most cowardly and cruel manner,” DA Stephan said. “The victim, Mario Fierro, was a beloved teacher at Cathedral Catholic High School and his death left his school, family, fiancée and community grieving. I’m proud of the excellent investigation by the San Diego Police Department and the tireless work of the prosecution team led by Deputy DA Ramona McCarthy, who brought a measure of justice to this cold-blooded murderer.”

Defendant Alvarez prepared, planned, and executed the cold-blooded murder of a Cathedral Catholic High School teacher after he discovered he was engaged to Alvarez’s ex-girlfriend. On the morning of February 1, 2021, Alvarez arrived at the home of Fierro, ready to kill him. After waiting one hour for Fierro to come out of his home, Alvarez ambushed him, shooting him six times, four of which were at close range.

It’s not unusual for a new romantic partner to become a target of violence, as in this case and many others prosecuted in San Diego County. Domestic violence has many forms including physical aggression, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, stalking, or financial abuse.

The District Attorney’s Office not only prosecutes domestic violence offenders, but also works to prevent such crimes, providing resources to victims so they can safely leave their abusers and move on with their lives. If you or someone you know is being abused, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. More resources can be found on the District Attorney’s website.

In addition, One Safe Place: The North County Family Justice Center provides support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, a hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. OneSafePlaceNorth.org

26 People Killed in DUI-Related Crashes Last Year

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that Brandon Janik, 38, was sentenced on January 24 to 15 years-to-life in state prison for driving under the influence, running a red light and killing 47-year-old Joshua Gilliland who was walking to work. Superior Court Judge Laura Parsky sentenced Janik to an additional seven years in prison to be served consecutively for committing insurance fraud and hit and run with death. The DA also confirmed today that 26 people were killed in DUI-related crashes last year.

“This was a tragic crime that took the life of a beloved community member. If you drive drunk, hit someone, and flee the scene, you’re committing a serious felony that carries serious penalties, including life in prison,” said DA Stephan. “Trying to cover it up with insurance fraud only adds to your charges, increasing the likelihood of getting caught and facing even steeper consequences. Law enforcement, forensic experts, and insurance investigators are highly skilled at uncovering these crimes—so do the right thing before you ruin lives, including your own.”

On November 7, 2024, after a nine-day trial, a jury found Brandon Janik guilty of all seven counts, including second degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run with death, and four insurance fraud charges.

On June 10, 2023, Janik, who had a prior DUI conviction in 2016, ran a red light and killed Gilliland, a well-liked bartender in University Heights. Surveillance footage showed Gilliland lawfully crossing the street at the intersection of Normal Street and El Cajon Boulevard when Janik sped through the intersection against the red light, struck Gilliland, and then fled the scene without calling 911.

The San Diego Police Traffic Division later connected the hit and run to an incident approximately 10 minutes earlier, when a passersby located Janik asleep in the driver’s seat of a car in the middle of the roadway. The person removed Janik, who was visibly intoxicated, from the driver’s seat and called 911. As they waited for paramedics to arrive, Janik thanked them and said, “I already have a DUI.” Once paramedics arrived on scene, Janik admitted he had been drinking, but claimed he would leave the vehicle parked and use a rideshare. Janik refused transportation to the hospital for medical treatment and paramedics cleared the scene.

Once the bystanders and paramedics left, Janik got back into his parked car and drove away, nearly striking another car as he sped off. The fatal collision took place only a minutes later and less than half a mile away.

The morning after the collision, the defendant read multiple news articles online about the crash. Janik proceeded to replace the vehicle’s smashed windshield using a mobile repair company. He later filed a false insurance claim with Esurance for additional damages to the passenger door and hood of the vehicle. Janik lied to support his false claim on three occasions and each time Janik denied anyone had been injured in the collision when directly asked. Janik’s primary concern was that his insurance premiums would go up.

At trial, Deputy District Attorneys Hailey Williams and Dana Dunlap presented evidence from 29 witnesses, including civilians, experts, police detectives, and Esurance employees. They introduced more than 100 exhibits, including surveillance video of the collision, Janik’s bar receipts prior to the collision, cell phone evidence, and recorded insurance phone calls. The jury deliberated for only a few hours before returning a guilty verdict on all counts.

Data shows that the number of young drivers involved in fatal DUI-related crashes has increased this past year. Prosecutors say that more than half of the individuals charged with DUI homicide offenses in 2024 were between the age of 18 and 26 at the time of the collision.

Insurance fraud, including auto insurance fraud, costs U.S. consumers an estimated$80 to $90 billion per year. In California, it’s a $15 billion-a-year problem. It’s the second-largest economic crime in America, exceeded only by tax evasion. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office combats this problem by using experienced specialists to confront the insurance fraud epidemic.

 

Prisoner handcuffed behind bars

Ex-Convict Sentenced for Cold Case Sexual Assault in Pacific Beach Alley

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said today that a 53-year-old man, who attacked a woman from behind in 2001 and dragged her into a Pacific Beach alley, forcing her to have sex with him, has been sentenced to 15 years-to-life in prison.

After deliberating for one day, a jury found John House guilty last November of forcible oral copulation as well as a kidnapping allegation.

“The victim waited more than 20 years for this defendant to be brought to justice for his horrific kidnap and sexual assault,” DA Stephan said. “Through the tireless work of specialized prosecutors and investigators in our Cold Case and Sex Crimes Units along with our law enforcement partners, we are able to solve these crimes that leave victims and their families living in fear and looking behind their shoulder for years.”

On a late morning in August 2001, the victim was walking down a Pacific Beach street when the defendant approached her from behind, put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into an alley to have sex while threatening her with a knife. Given the limitations of the DNA technology at the time, the San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory was unable to develop a DNA profile from the sperm fraction collected from victim’s lips and the case went cold.

In 2022 there was a break in the case thanks to developments in DNA testing technology and retesting of the evidence. A full DNA profile was developed, which matched the defendant. It turned out he was involved in previous incidents, including a criminal case from 2001. In that case, defendant House approached five different female joggers from behind and sexually battered them, resulting in a prison sentence of seven years.

The DA’s Cold Case Homicide Division has dedicated and experienced investigators and prosecutors who use the latest forensic evidence technology to deliver justice to victims. The division promotes public safety by working with local law enforcement to resolve unsolved homicides within San Diego County. These partnerships are key to solving and successfully prosecuting cases where the trail has gone cold for years. Since it was established in 2003, the Cold Case Homicide Division has played a role in solving and prosecuting numerous murders.

Deputy District Attorney Zachary Wallace prosecuted this case.