Charles “Andy” Williams, the shooter responsible for the 2001 attack at Santana High School in Santee, may soon be released under a resentencing law.
On Tuesday, a Superior Court judge granted Williams’ request to be resentenced in juvenile court, potentially allowing his immediate release.
Williams, who was 15 at the time of the attack, killed two students and injured 13 others. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to all charges.
The San Diego County district attorney’s office is appealing the decision, arguing that Williams’ actions warrant the original sentence. District Attorney Summer Stephan stated:
“This defendant carried out a calculated, cold-blooded attack… As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety.”
Williams was denied parole in 2024 after being deemed a public safety risk.
Williams’ attorney, Laura Sheppard, hopes for his release without causing further pain to the victims’ families. The 2001 attack, described by then-President Bush as “a disgraceful act of cowardice,” involved Williams firing over 30 shots, reloading his gun multiple times.
The case highlights California’s shift away from prosecuting juveniles as adults, with new laws allowing for resentencing of juvenile offenders tried in adult court.
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