School Shooter To Be Freed From Jail After Court Erases Life Sentence

Charles Andrew Williams, the shooter responsible for the 2001 Santana High School tragedy, may soon be released from prison after a judge erased his life sentence. Williams, who was 15 at the time, killed two students, Bryan Zuckor, 14, and Randy Gordon, 17, and injured 13 others on March 5, 2001, in Santee, California. Originally sentenced to 50 years to life, Williams' case has been moved to juvenile court, which could lead to his immediate release without parole supervision or a new safety assessment.

The decision has sparked outrage among victims' families and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, who called the ruling a "disservice to victims" and plans to appeal. Stephan emphasized the need to balance the rights of defendants, victims, and community safety. Williams, now 39, expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating his intention to live a life of service and amends.

Despite being denied parole in 2024 due to being deemed an "unreasonable risk to public safety," Williams' resentencing was made possible by a 2011 law allowing juvenile offenders with life sentences to be reconsidered. Prosecutors argue that his original sentence should remain, and they plan to continue their legal battle in higher courts.