Undocumented Immigrant In Katie Steinle San Francisco Murder Ordered To Stand Trial For July Slaying

GettyImages-486170732 — Brad Steinle (left), Liz Sullivan and Jim Steinle, the family of Kate Steinle, who was killed in July, are shown during a news conference in San Francisco on Sept. 1, 2015. Getty Images/Justin Sullivan

The undocumented immigrant who was charged with the July murder of a woman in San Francisco was ordered Friday by a judge to stand trial for his alleged role in the death, according to a reporter with the local KCBS radio station. Juan Francisco López Sánchez, the immigrant, is accused of fatally shooting 32-year-old Katie Steinle on July 1 at the city's Pier 14.

Doug Sovern, the KCBS journalist, tweeted that the judge will allow a jury to decide whether Sánchez's actions constituted second-degree murder or manslaughter. Sánchez would face 43 years to life in prison for murder. A manslaughter conviction carries a maximum sentence of 19 years, Sovern said.

Defense won't speculate on possible plea deal, but does not intend to ask for change of venue. #
— Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) September 4, 2015

Join the Discussion