The case dates back to October 14, 2018, when police say a fight broke out just before 3 a.m. at a Halloween party outside an auto shop in East Palo Alto. A gunman opened fire, shooting four people and killing two: 23-year-old Mario Vidales Mendez and 22-year-old Eduardo Sandoval.
For the victims' families, the years since have been marked by grief and unanswered questions. Veronica Sandoval said her son's bedroom door has remained closed since the day he died.
"A hell, there's no other words to describe, just living life empty," she said. "Every step that I take, I'm in the same steps that he was. His room has been locked for eight years now. It's hard," she said.
Investigators say the suspect fled to Mexico shortly after the shooting. Family members said they felt a mix of relief and renewed pain when they learned he had recently been taken into custody and brought back to the United States.
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"It was, mixed emotions, like, happy, finally. I'm also sad because this starts all over again," Sandoval said.
Vidales Mendez's family, now living out of state, issued a written statement:
"For years, we have carried this grief with no answers and no justice. Today does not erase our pain, but it gives us strength to keep going."
The suspect had been expected to be charged Monday, but the hearing was delayed, raising concerns among advocates.
"There was an arrest warrant. That means his office had reviewed it years ago. That means a judge signed off on a warrant. And now to be told that charges may not be filed. It's outrageous," said Margaret Petros, executive director of Mothers Against Murder.
The district attorney's office told us they could not provide specific details about the delay, but said they are working closely with East Palo Alto police. Prosecutors must make a filing decision by 11 a.m. Tuesday