A former resident of Laguna Niguel, Byrom Zuniga Sanchez, was convicted by a federal jury in Santa Ana for making death threats against a superior court judge who had overseen his family law case. Sanchez, 34, most recently lived in Morella, Mexico.
Evidence from the three-day trial showed that between May and July 2023, Sanchez sent multiple threatening emails to the judge. The threats extended beyond the judge to include other judges, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel. In one July 2023 email sent to the victim judge’s former courtroom, 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.”
Authorities believe Sanchez sent these communications from Mexico using interstate commerce channels. He was arrested in San Diego in February 2024 when he tried to enter the United States and has been held in federal custody since then.
United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter has scheduled sentencing for March 5, 2026. At that time, Sanchez could receive up to five years in federal prison for each count.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra J. Kelly and Diane B. Roldán are prosecuting.
