A former resident of Laguna Niguel was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for making death threats against a superior court judge who had presided over his family law case. Byrom Zuniga Sanchez, 34, whose last known residence was in Mexico, received the sentence from United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter. In addition to the prison term, Sanchez was ordered to pay $22,790 in restitution.
Sanchez was convicted by a jury in December 2025 on two counts of threats by interstate and foreign communication. He has been held in federal custody since February 2024.
Between May and July 2023, Sanchez sent several threatening emails to the judge involved in his case. The messages included threats against other court employees, lawyers, and law enforcement officials. In one email sent in July 2023 to the judge’s former courtroom, Sanchez wrote: “I am more committed to murdering you than I am to being present as a father.” In the same message, he added: “You’re already dead. The remainder of my life will be dedicated to assassinating judges, attorneys, and a police station’s entire shift staff.”
The emails were sent using interstate commerce channels while Sanchez claimed he was in Mexico. He was arrested in San Diego after attempting to re-enter the United States in February 2024.
Prosecutors noted Sanchez’s lack of remorse during sentencing proceedings. “[Sanchez’s] terrifying embrace of his offenses – his delight at the pain of others – and his total lack of remorse increases the already substantial need for specific deterrence,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
The FBI conducted the investigation into this matter.
Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra Sloan Kelly from the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Diane B. Roldán from the Major Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California serves over 19 million residents across seven counties and is responsible for prosecuting federal criminal cases as well as handling civil matters on behalf of the government. The office works with various law enforcement partners at different levels to help ensure public safety and supports community outreach programs focused on victim assistance and public education. E. Martin Estrada has served as United States Attorney for this district.
