Case # 13WF0932
Date: July 22, 2015
DEFENDANT TO FACE TRIAL FOR SHOOTING-MURDER OF MAN OUTSIDE STANTON BAR
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man will face trial tomorrow for shooting and murdering a fellow patron outside a Stanton bar. Leobardo Villadares, 45, Anaheim, is charged with one felony count of murder and a sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. If convicted, Villadares faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are scheduled to begin tomorrow, Thursday, July 23, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-35, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On the night of Sept. 15, 2013, Villadares is accused of going to Oasis Bar in Stanton. He is accused of frequenting the bar and being acquainted with the staff. The defendant is accused of starting an altercation outside the bar with 48-year-old Francisco Salgado Torres. Villadares is accused of fatally shooting the victim twice before fleeing the scene on foot.
On Sept. 17, 2013, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated this case, issued a press release with a photo of the defendant.
At approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sept. 20, 2013, Villadares is accused of surrendering to law enforcement at a residence in Garden Grove. The Garden Grove Police Department assisted in the defendant’s arrest.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.