Police Officer Samuel Sanchez

Samuel Sanchez

Officer Sanchez was transporting three prisoners to the jail in Santa Maria when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle being operated by a drunk driver. Two of the prisoners, ages 16 and 25, were also killed. The 3rd 20-year-old prisoner and Officer Sanchez's 25-year-old partner who was driving were hospitalized.

The 35-year-old driver of the other car, father of 8 children, was convicted of reckless driving and one count of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Officer Sanchez had served with the Guadalupe Police Department for 4 years. He had four brothers and a sister-in-law who served in law enforcement.