Byrom Zuniga Sanchez, Threatening to Kill, California 2023

A former Laguna Niguel resident has been found guilty of threatening to kill a superior court judge who presided over his family law case.

Byrom Zuniga Sanchez, 34, whose most recent residence was in Mexico, was found guilty of two counts of threats by interstate and foreign communication.

The jury delivered the guilty verdict after a three-day trial, which presented evidence of Sanchez's actions from May 2023 to July 2023. During this time, Sanchez sent multiple death threats via email to the victim judge.

The threats, which were sent via interstate commerce, also included threats to kill or harm others, including other judges, lawyers, and law enforcement officials.

In one email, Sanchez wrote, 'I am more committed to murdering you than I am to being present as a father.' He also stated, 'You're already dead. The remainder of my life will be dedicated to assassinating judges, attorneys, and a police station's entire shift staff.'

Sanchez was arrested in San Diego in February 2024 after attempting to enter the United States. He has been in federal custody since.

United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter has scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 5, 2026. Sanchez faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count.

The FBI investigated this matter, and Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra J. Kelly and Diane B. Roldán are prosecuting the case.

A sentencing hearing will be held on March 5, 2026, at which time Sanchez will face a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-laguna-niguel-resident-found-guilty-threatening-kill-judge-who-presided-over