ABC, News10 Sacramento, "Nunez pardon lawsuit against Schwarzenegger moves to Sacramento"

A judge ruled to consolidate and move to Sacramento two cases against former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his decision to reduce the prison sentence of the son of a political ally. Esteban Nunez, son of former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, was involved in the stabbing death of Luis Santos in 2008. A legal challenge based on Marsy’s Law seeks to reverse Schwarzenegger’s action. - HTN Foundation

Nunez pardon lawsuit against Schwarzenegger moves to Sacramento

Written by
Will Frampton

SACRAMENTO, CA - Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Laurie M. Earl ruled Thursday that two cases against former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, stemming from his pardon of the son of political ally Fabian Nunez, will be consolidated and moved to Sacramento starting in October.

Before leaving office in January, Schwarzenegger reduced the prison sentence of Esteban Nunez, the son of former California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez. Esteban Nunez was originally sentenced to 16 years in prison for his part in the stabbing murder of Luis Santos, 22, on the campus of San Diego State University in October, 2008. Schwarzenegger cut the sentence by more than half to seven years on his last full day in office.

The Santos family and the San Diego District Attorney's Office filed suits agaist Schwarzenegger, alleging he violated Marsy's Law. Passed by California voters in 2008, the law protects the rights of victims during the prosecution of a crime, and any legal action that may follow in relation to that crime.