End of story! A life sentence, without Sandy.. The Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament has grown to become a major fundraising event benefiting the YWCA of Kauai, and the torch bearer of the YWCA of Kauai campaign to eliminate domestic violence, everywhere. A group from the YWCA of Kauai hosts a sign waving vigil, Wednesday morning outside the Puuhonua Kaulike Building where the sentencing for Darren Galas took place. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. The autopsy indicated she had been beaten and strangled to death, making it a homicide investigation. What about Sandy? He enjoyed time with those who love him, going fishing, playing basketball, riding down dirt roads, playing chess, and listening to music. Youve given him all the damn time in the world. The YWCA of Kauai is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and within the goody bags there is a gold medal this ties in with this year being the year the Olympic games are being played for each golfer as a thank you for the support provided during the past 100 years.. The evidence was lacking, however, and he was released, then granted custody of the two boys. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer, Grand jury indicts Kauai man in cold case murder of wife, Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation, Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman, Kauai police arrest man for wifes 2006 murder, Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder, Arrest made in cold case murder of Sandra Galas, Kauai man arrested in 2006 cold case murder, Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death, Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai, Husband Pleads No Contest to Wifes Murder on Kauai, Kauai man sentence in connection with strangling death of his wife, Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term, Kauai man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death, Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death, Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy, Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case, Scoop: Coming Up on DATELINE on NBC Today, June 15, 2018, Keith Morrison Previews: The Other Side of Paradise, DATELINE FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Other Side of Paradise, DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise, Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews, Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise. In an interview with The Garden Island newspaper after the sentencing, Larry Mendonca said he was satisfied and grateful that the graveyard promise he made to his daughter to seek justice for her had been fulfilled, though hes not sure how it will help his family move on. A former kpd cop set up Aurero Moores murder and possibly killed Monica Aves niece who was a so called vice informant. Who did he pay off or whatever? Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise. Remember this next election for prosecutor, Kollar should be ashamed of himself. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. No weapon or cord found that was used to straggle her, No blood, no DNA. Very disappointed in what passes as justice here on Kauai. Once released from prison, Darren Galas will have to pay $9,415.99 in restitution and $4,000 in funeral costs for Sandra Galas. Private services held. This is outrageous. I guess it really helps to know somebody straight up braddah braddah kine! During that time, Sandra's murder led her father, Larry Mendonca, to begin working to help young women better protect themselves. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. By. He raised the children that he and Sandra had together, and they are here in court today. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with her ohana following todays verdict., Strangled to death and pleading to Assault. Galas sentenced The retired Air Force Officer claimed on the show how the latter allegedly brainwashed the young boys against their mother and grandparents. In 2012, Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry set a new investigator on the case. By participating in online discussions you Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman Congratulations Mr. Mendonca you made a promise at her grave and you did it. The couple had their son, Lawrence Jr., in 1976, and their daughter, Sandra, was born on May 15, 1978, in Misawa, Japan. Never Forget Sandi G. Everything is common sense, no one knows what happened only 3 people Sandy, Darren and God our king of kings. Why not change the name of Kauai to Murder Island.. On Jan. 25, 2006,Sandra Galas was found strangled in the garage of her 'Ele'ele home. He was predeceased by : his parents, Frank Mendonca and Evelyn Mendonca; and his brothers, Frank Mendonca Jr. and Ernie Mendonca. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (HawaiiNewsNow) - This Friday Dateline on NBC will feature a former cold case from Kauai. Vehicle fares for May 1 to Sept. 23 are available online at wsdot.wa.gov . For years, Sandra's estranged husband Darren Galas was the . The peak-season surcharge will continue through September, covering the busiest months of the year for ferry travel. LIHUE Aug. 1 was a very special day for the Mendonca family, said Janet May of Baltimore Sunday in the parking lot of the Timbers Resort Hokuala Golf Club. An insightful Meanwhile, she shared custody of her sons with Darren. Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder Grand jury indicts Kauai man in cold case murder of wife For real tho, if you want to get away with murder, come Kauai. Saw Dateline and was disgusted by how this guy got to raise his children after he strangled their mother. L Love, your California Ohana May 4, 2021 Dearest Carole,Kim, Kendelle and Family, Lawrence will remain in our hearts forever! There was no hard core evidence against Darren. Reporter Keith Morrison has been following the details of the murderfor nearly 10 years, as a father foughtto bring his daughter's killer to justice despite one setback after another. He found letters exchanged between Sandra and her divorce attorney, wherein she expressed fear of Darren, as he was jealous of her and Ryans relationship. The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. A judge cannot send someone to prison unless they are proved guilty. Judge Kathleen Watanabe accepted his plea and he was found guilty. In addition to her father and brother, Sandra Galas uncle Dennis Cabral also read a victims impact statement, asking for a just sentence in the case. Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation In January 2018, a plea deal was reached Darren would plead no contest to first-degree assault inflicting serious bodily harm. Also the information in the article is incorrect as that the change of plea was NOT from guilty to no contest his original plea was NOT guilty and was changed to no contest. Your email address will not be published. October 3, 2022 (84 years old) View obituary. In other words, United States Citizens do not receive justice in the way our founding fathers envisioned. Yes, its my birthday, May said. He was born in Hilo. He was born in Kilauea, Kauai. Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews Monday, May 1, 2023 | Your email address will not be published. Mutsue Okahara. Wade was a contractor by trade with a . Download the app and binge on the last couple years of programming. Ive agreed to plead no contest to the assault charge, Galas said. Its sad when Larry had to work diligently to investigate his daughters murder. Funeral Home website by. Write your message of sympathy today. Obituary Headlines, View current celebrity deaths on Legacy.com From Dec. 4, 2020 onward, our daily celebrity news obituaries can be found at Legacy.com. Green argued that when you look at the record, this case has been continued not just on behalf of himself and his client, but also on behalf of the prosecution. In a statement to the court, Darren Galas said he was changing his plea to no contest because he realizes how much anguish this has caused his family. . Visitation: 10:00am; Services: 11:00am on Saturday, May 13, 2023 . Your email will not be used for any other purpose. In a statement to the court, Darren Galas thanked the people who supported him, his family and the Mendoncas. Darren Galas, 40 of Kalaheo was arrested for the 2006 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas. Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. She was the nicest person and everyone liked her personality and work ethic. Justice At Last for Sandy G? Copyright 2023 TheGardenIsland.com. Who Are Larry and Toshie Mendonca? Good Job Mr. Green, thats why you are one of the best in HawaiiAny chance of you running for Prosecutor to help Kauai?? Furthermore he was NOT found guilty for assult. Darren had a history of domestic violence and it was rumored that he was angry Sandra was dating someone new. The golf tournament originally served two purposes: To help victims and survivors, and to keep Sandra's case alive in the public mind. So if I can get 30 days more so he can attend the graduation and try and get his life done the best he can., In a prepared statement, Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry said, Todays verdict does not reverse the untimely death of Sandra Galas, but we hope it does bring a small sense of closure to her family and loved one, that Darren Galas has taken responsibility for her death., Also in a prepared statement, Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., said, This case has weighed heavily on our community for over a decade and we will never forget Sandy. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. | 72.401. I have the utmost affection and love for Sandy's family, friend Renae Hamilton-Cambeilhtold producers. No one can outrun the wrath of God.. As women, we are told to leave our abusers, take the children, report them, file restraining order. Only on this island! Who wouldve thought that this small tournament we started in memory of Sandy G 13 years ago would grow to where it is, Mendonca said. May 1, 2023 at 9:06 am. Required fields are marked *. His and Toshies prayers were partly heard in January 2018: Darren accepted a plea deal and pled no contest to the charges of second-degree assault with severe bodily harm. Hence, with a heavy heart, Larry and Toshie attended his hearing in June 2018, where he was sentenced to a maximum of ten years behind bars, with the minimum term being 8.5 years. The case went cold until 2008, when advances in forensic technology yielded a match for Darren's DNA on the clothes Sandra was wearing when she waskilled. saw the dateline episode too. If you wish to learn more about Larry and Toshie and how they are doing presently, heres everything you need to know. That pushed the silent auction over the top. There is no photo or video of Larry David Mendonca.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. She was 27 years old at the time of her death, reports say, and the mother of two young children. One of the most painful things that I must deal with is wondering just how much my sister suffered the day she was killed, he said. The judge accepted his plea and he was found guilty. Darren Galas, who walked out of the courthouse surrounded by family, declined to comment. FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY. Mendonca said he no longer wants to talk to prosecutors. to the family or plant a tree its amazing how his ignorant friends and family can stand behind this punk. He was born in Honolulu. The Mendoncas hope that Darren repents his actions someday and that Sandras sons have a decent life ahead. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe told Galas the court accepted his change of plea in the reduced charge of assault in the first degree from guilty to no contest and found him guilty of assault in the first degree. She will never get to see and attend any of her children graduation. DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise A private family service will be held at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Jealous donkey. 79, of Hilo, Hawaii, died in Hilo on April 3, 2023. He is survived by : his wife Velma Mendonca; his brother Anthony Mendonca; and his children, Roxanne Azevedo (John), Renee Costello (Patrick) and Kevin Mendonca (Misty). send us an email. Morrison said in promotional material for the broadcast, "we had no idea then where this meeting would lead us.". Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Lawrence Mendonca Jr. drops his head in aguish, Toshi and Lawrence Mendonca, and Dennis Cabral of California react to Darren Galas' sentence being meted out, Wednesday at the Pu'uhonua Kaulike. If he gets locked up, hes got no children, Greeen said. Only on Kauai..can you get a murder charge dropped to assault. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Lawrence Mendonca Jr., Toshi and Lawrence Mendonca console each other following the sentencing for Darren Galas, Wednesday at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. can stop at any time. Sandra Galas was found strangled to death in her garage in 2006,and police soon zeroed in on two suspects. People hide it, Kollar said. We are a failed Nation when it comes to solving a crime, trying a crime, and the appropriate sentence being given IN A TIMELY MANNER! I truly, truly hope that the families will have some amount of closure and will focus on the positive memories of Sandra Mendonca Galas, as well as the future of the welfare of the minor children, Watanabe said as she rendered the sentence. Jim Brunner. It was climbing a mountain to try to win this case if it went to trial, he said. Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case Since Sandra had failed to turn up to pick up the boys, it was evident that Darren should have detailed it in the calendar. When ever I see you, I hurt. We can always count on you to print misinformation. Theres one good thing thats going to come out of this case and that is this guy is going to meet his maker one day and guess what hes going to have to pay.!! Her estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. (domestic violence) is something thats behind the scenes, but still theres a stigma of talking about it in public. Because of the publicity surrounding this case, Defense Attorney Michael Green told the court the best result he could hope for if the case had gone to trial would have been a hung jury. Sandy doesnt get to see her children grow up much less their graduation so who gives a rats behind if Darren Galas doesnt get to see his kids graduate? CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM. Sadly, since the victim and her estranged husband were still legally married when she died, the evidence was not enough to indict the suspect. Unfortunately, due to parental alienation, Sandras father Larry has no relationship with her two children. In 2006, police didn't have enough evidence to arrest Galas immediately after the crime. Tears for you. An insightful The detective dug intothe case from the beginning and unearthed letters from Sandra to her divorce attorney that indicated she was frightened of Darren. July 16, 2022 (95 years old) View obituary. At her grave site, I made a vow that I wouldnt end this until justice was served, Mendoca said. Rarely do we get away and win. Right?! Your email address will not be published. The program titled 'The Other Side of Paradise'will air at 9:00 p.m. on KHNL. I guess whatever pastor wrote the letter was fooled. Unfortunately, the Galas family fell apart in 2005 when Sandra discovered Darrens infidelity and separated from him. I worked with Sandra and remember you walking around her work place giving all the guys stinkeye thinking every one of them was fooling around with her. Messages run for up to one year and you DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise -Dateline NBC. Though he said a lot of the public is dissatisfied with the charge of assault one, Larry Mendonca said the plea was an acceptable alternative. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. This has gone on quite a bit of time, and I know the Galas family would like to have this resolved as soon as possible, Winn said, arguing the family would all be available at the end of April because they had already planned on being at the trial. Keith Morrison follows a cold case for nearly 10 years, as a father in Hawaii fights to bring his daughter's killer to justice despite one setback after another. That day, he said, his family was given a life sentence full of pain, sorrow, agony and frustration, a life sentence with no parole. Every day had an entry of some sort, except for the day of the murder, when Sandra obviously didn't show. In January 2018, twelve years after the murder, Darren Galas entered a no contest plea in court for a charge of first degree assault, a class B felony. Kauai man sentence in connection with strangling death of his wife -Dateline NBC. Later in 2005, Sandra Galas asked for a divorce, according to reports. Thats how we get here today, Green said. -KHON2 News (2012), A 2006 Kauai case has new witnesses and interviews. Norwalk - Tyler Michael Mendonca, age 28, of Norwalk, passed away Saturday July 24, 2021 in Norwalk. Your email address will not be published. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Air Force retiree Larry Mendoncas daughter Sandra was found strangled to death in her carin the garage of her home on January 25, 2006 in Eleele,Hawaii. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death And, who wouldve thought that the tournament would last as long as it has.. Their 27-year-old daughter, Sandra Galas, was found brutally murdered in her houses garage, depriving them of her presence forever. Prosecutors told hopeful investigators, however, that since the two were still married at the time, the DNA alone wasn't enough to bring charges. Funeral arrangement under the care ofTurlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Darren had a history of domestic violence and it was rumored that he was angry Sandra was dating someone new. At that time Mendonca took the news crew to the grave of his daughter . sad. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wayne Beasley; MawMaw, Eunice McClendon; step dad, CG Edenfield; and his brother-in-Law, Chris Pettit. The family producedbumper stickers and offered a standing $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, Because of a selfish act for Galas to end her life. He claims Darren has brainwashed them to hate both their mother and her family. Larry was born October 8, 1952, in Shakopee, to Betty and . The judge and DA should be thankful Sandras father has not taken vengeance. GUILTY. If your comments James Robert Simpson. Would you like to offer Larry David Mendoncas loved ones a condolence message? They shared custody of their two young boys. Its a great addition for any San Francisco fan!. Maybe try reading about the case before making ignorant remarks like if hes guilty. Dictionaries may provide definitions, but that means very little when legal system gives us the law, not justice. And its also the birthday of Sandy Galas grandmother, who was born in 1915. Come to Kauai, if you want to commit a crime, because chances are youll get away with it.. Enjoy. Darren Galas, 40 of Kalaheo was arrested for the 2006 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas. I watched Dateline regarding this story. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death As a parent, you never want to see your kids hurt. Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai It wasnt until 2012,investigators were able to pin Darren to the crime with the use of new forensic techniques, specifically touch DNA from evidence at the scene of the crime was a match to Darren Galas. January 15, 2021 Larry Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, receives a hug from a friend after court on Monday. This is what she was living under, your honor. 3 Trees, Flowers, or Condolences have been shared with support of Larry's family -. Theyre the only ones right now who have suffered a big loss, he said. Watanabe said the sentencing was scheduled for April 25 and asked the states position on the matter. The same picture is on the front page of your paper and it looks like, you know, hes already in prison. Darren Galas has since remarried. Unfortunately, his old age and deteriorating health took a toll on him, and he suffered a heart attack in February 2017 aged 75. In courtroom footage featured on In Ice Cold Blood, a member of Sandra's family read a powerful victim impact statement on behalf ofher father, who died of a heart attack before the case was closed. Monday, May 1, 2023 | No justice on Kauai for its citizen victims none. When he thought about the case, Green said he wanted there to be closure, but there were many factors that went into the investigation that the police could never come to the conclusion about who was responsible for the death. Weve been trying to get this case through for 12 years, he said. the state Department of Human Services, died last Wednesday Aug 14, 1996 at home. A woman is dead and this Galas turkey gets all the considerations in the word. Frightening and DEVASTATING reality for woman and children in Kauai. Turlock Funeral Home 425 N Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA 95381, Turlock Memorial Park 575 N Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA 95380-3749. The pain is still there. In 2007, Mendonca partnered with the YWCA Kauai and Dennis (Mendonca's cousin) and Susan Cabral, to begin hosting the annual Never Forget Sandy G Golf Tournament. Im sure he has turned them against the woman who birthed them and he strangled. Larry retired after a few years, and the family moved to Kauai, Hawaii, where they created an idyllic life on a sprawling ranch in Anahola. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, 25K on Kauai to receive 2022 juror questionnaire, Record wildfire burns amid drought on Hawaiis Big Island, Tough opening quarter for home sales on Kauai, Hawaii Legislature slashes nearly all funding for proposed clean elections program, Waimea top seed in state softball tourney. Keith Morrison follows a cold case for nearly 10 years, as a father in Hawaii fights to bring his daughters killer to justice despite one setback after another. Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term So many setbacks and delays. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. They knew that at trial, defense attorneys would point to RyanShinjo, who was their other suspect and in federal prison on drug charges. The real tragedy here are the kids that were raised in this warped reality of their mothers killer being their only parent, and how they navigate life going forward knowing their dad is not whom he said he was all of these years. On June 15, 2018, Dateline premiered The Other Side of Paradise on NBC. MENDON -- Larry D. Hamilton, age 88, of Mendon, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Shane Hill, Rockford. All rights reserved. If you would like to send memorial donations in Larry's honor, please consider instead donating your time to those in need at nursing homes. It is my hope that they will have a relationship with their Grandparents. Im so happy to be here. Raymond Kealohaokalani Lui Jr. Sounds like Galas has used those years to fool everyone, including Sandys own children, into believing that he is not a monster. D.V. (76 years old). She would want you to live your life Happy. Kauai man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death If there was the police should have said. Theres no justice here. All rights reserved. Lawrence "Larry" Tsuneji Yamamoto, 79 of Mililani, Hawaii, passed away on April 10, 2021. Larry and Toshie Mendonca, Sandra's parents, along with Lawrence, started the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation, raising money for the island's YWCA to help domestic violence survivors and raise awareness, according to Midweek Kauai . Blunt force trauma and strangulation deserves a murder conviction, not mere assault. Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death | 72.401. All you guys care about is numbers, Mendonca yelled. Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case, Mother arrested for leaving children home alone to go to gym, police say, MPD: Molokai police officer shoots suspect armed with machete, Motorcyclist dies of injuries after crashing into vehicle in Kapolei, 70-year-old pedestrian killed in Kalihi after being struck by vehicle, 'The Other Side of Paradise' with Lynn Kawano, KHNLPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KGMBPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KFVEPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KSIXPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246, KOGGPUBLICFILE@HAWAIINEWSNOW.COM (808) 847-3246.