Only on this island! Telling his wife of their daughters death was one of the most difficult things Larry Mendonca said he has ever had to do. Lawrence Mendonca Jr., Toshi and Lawrence Mendonca console each other following the sentencing for Darren Galas, Wednesday at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. 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 Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. the state Department of Human Services, died last Wednesday Aug 14, 1996 at home. This is an instance of judicial incompetence and insensitivity to victims. Vote out prosecutor Kollar. Your email address will not be published. Published On April 30th, 2023 80, of Kapolei, died in Kahuku on April 9, 2023. 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. That day, he said, his family was given a life sentence full of pain, sorrow, agony and frustration, a life sentence with no parole. Today's Paper (76 years old). She was a loving mother. -KHON2 News (2018), Kauai man Darren Galas has been sentenced in connection with his wifes 2006 murder. This is outrageous. An insightful Honolulu, Hawaii May 8, 1941 - April 10, 2021 Share Obituary: Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of Lawrence "Larry" Tsuneji Yamamoto. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Prosecutors told hopeful investigators, however, that since the two were still married at the time, the DNA alone wasn't enough to bring charges. WE WILL NEVER FORGET SANDY NOR STOP FIGHTING AGAINST VIOLENCE TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN!!!! Air Force retiree Larry Mendonca's daughter Sandra was found strangled to death in her . Naturally, Larry was devasted at losing his beloved daughter but promised to seek justice for her. This shocked Larry, but he supported her decision, and she soon moved out and started working at a local restaurant. Nonetheless, the grieving father delivered an emotional impact statement in court, detailing the familys pain for the past several years. After he wasreleased, however, he told investigators aboutDarrens violent behaviorhe witnessed. He claims Darren has brainwashed them to hate both their mother and her family. Wade is survived by his children, Cameron Wade McClendon of Chattahoochee, FL, Hunter McClendon and wife, Natasha of Albany, GA, Zane Ares McClendon of Altha, Metallica McClendon and Galadreil McClendon both of Edison, GA, Krislyn McClendon of Altha; andhis mother, Sarah Jane McClendon. Kauai police arrest man for wifes 2006 murder Hopefully there will be no chance of parole for him! Download the app and binge on the last couple years of programming. Kenji Nishiie, 84, of Kapolei, a retired Global Associates logistician, died Sunday at home. Right?! Funeral arrangement under the care ofTurlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Local obituaries for Honolulu, Hawaii 2,417 Obituaries Saturday, April 29, 2023 Friday, April 28, 2023 Thursday, April 27, 2023 Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Showing 1 - 50 of 2,417 results. Our detectives and the prosecutor have shown their utter incompetence. Its not vengeance, its not revenge, its balancing the scales of justice, he said. Was weird because they never let their kids go to the kid classes. And last Christmas and like 9 Christmases before that. There you can read the full obituary, check the service details, share condolences, upload photos, send flowers, and do even more. Now in their 80s, Larry and Toshie lead a quiet life and continue giving back to the community in small ways. Lawrence Mendonca, Galas father and a strong supporter of the YWCA of Kauai, said a final push on the morning of the tournament moved the field to the tournaments maximum 30 teams (consisting of four persons each) playing a modified scramble format with no post-event party because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Good Job Mr. Green, thats why you are one of the best in HawaiiAny chance of you running for Prosecutor to help Kauai?? In 2012, Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry set a new investigator on the case. Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer Honolulu Obituaries | Local Obits for Honolulu, HI Larry "Gator" Rivers was a sophomore on the all-Black Beach High School team that won the first Georgia High School Association basketball tournament to include Black and white players in 1967. During that time, Sandra's murder led her father, Larry Mendonca, to begin working to help young women better protect themselves. The murder gripped the island and the"Never Forget Sandy G"movement to raise awareness of domestic abuse echoed throughout the Kauai community. (LogOut/ Hawaii Obituaries | Honolulu Star-Advertiser In January 2018, a plea deal was reached Darren would plead no contest to first-degree assault inflicting serious bodily harm. No stomach for actual punishment? Hence, the lack of entry was enough for the investigators to charge him with second-degree murder. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. He was a man committed to his family and was someone who had always shown them unconditional love, Green said. Unfortunately, due to parental alienation, Sandras father Larry has no relationship with her two children. Hawaii Obituaries. During this time, he met veteran police officer Darryl Perry and shared Sandras story. Wade was a contractor by trade with a . The journey ahead was quite draining, as he and Toshie had to wait several years before the killer was held accountable. Gov. -KHON2 News (2018), Kauai man Darren Galas has been sentenced in connection with his wifes 2006 murder. A no contest plea is allows the defendant to avoid trial and a potentially longer prison sentence. After graduating high school, Sandra moved to New York for her college. 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. Birthday girl Janet May of Baltimore and Toshie Mendonca, mother of Sandra Mendonca Sandy G Galas, are ready to be chauffeured around the Hokuala Ocean Course Sunday during the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament benefiting the YWCA of Kauai. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! He said the case dragged on for years until Darren Galas, a man who had never been convicted of anything, was offered the plea of no contest to an assault charge. When you assault a person in a prolonged manner that ends his/her life, you commit murder. (August 21,2020), Military.com: Army Street Gang Activity Is Increasing, Internal Report Shows (August 17,2020), A Complete List of the 35 Basic Military Training Instructors Court Martialed in the Lackland Air Force Base Sex Scandal, Army Spouse Melinda Stewart, Army Sgt. Required fields are marked *. Funeral Home website by. Greens said his client was indicted on the eve of a general election. To send flowers 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. 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. I am disgusted in the Kauai system, my family was set to vacation there next year. She is survived by parents Larry S. and Myra H.; and sisters Susan E. Muneno, Peggy K. Hilton and Wendy . -Dateline NBC. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. 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. DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, Though indicted, Darren soon walked out on bail, deeply upsetting Larry and Toshie. Turlock Funeral Home 425 N Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA 95381, Turlock Memorial Park 575 N Soderquist Rd, Turlock, CA 95380-3749. This man should have been executed 10 years ago. Wade was a contractor by trade with a specialty in flooring. Click on a listing to enter a loved one's online memorial. What the prosecutor said about looking good on the outside is true. 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. 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. Red Flags Raised Over Mysterious Disappearances, Sexual Assaults | Hollie McKay (January 6,2021), Truth will come to lightAt length the truth will out. WilliamShakespeare, Report of the Fort Hood Independent Review Committee (November 6,2020), Donny Walker Show: Update on Fort Hood Investigations, Federal Government Cold Case Policy, and The Kamisha Block Bill (October 6,2020), Speier, Mullin Introduce Bipartisan I Am Vanessa Guilln Act to Transform the Militarys Response to Sexual Violence & Missing Servicemembers (September 16,2020), Research Reveals Pattern of Violence, Suspicious Deaths, Problematic Death Investigations, and Cover-up at Fort Hood in Texas (September 11,2020), Fort Hood Army Sgt. Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term Summarizing the events leading up to the sentencing, Green told the court the couple had been separated, sharing custody of their children and at times continued an intimate relationship. 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. Respected people throughout the community wrote letters on behalf of Darren Galas, Green said, including local pastors, doctors and the couples two sons. 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. #7-210, Honolulu, HI 96813 | Telephone (808) 529-4747, 500 Ala Moana Boulevard. Maybe try reading about the case before making ignorant remarks like if hes guilty. Dont forget this case was charged by his predecessor in Oct 2012 in an attempt to sway the 2012 election (it didnt work) which apparently caused some structural issues with the case. Some people can put up an act. By Mike Gordon. Who did he pay off or whatever? Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. Unfortunately, the Galas family fell apart in 2005 when Sandra discovered Darrens infidelity and separated from him. It usually comes down to our children being used against us. Amazing what an old boys club we have in the KPD where you literally CAN get away with murder. in memory of Larry Wade McClendon, please visit our floral store. He claimed that Sandra was supposed to pick up their sons from his house on January 25, but she never came. Mar. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Basketball legend Rivers, longtime Globetrotter, dies at 73 Murder charge reduced It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Larry David Mendonca of Manteca, California, born in Hughson, California, who passed away on January 15, 2021, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. 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. It's the true crime story of Sandra Galas and her father's quest for cold case justice. He and Toshie reside in Kauai, where they run the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation with their son. Mendonca Family Obituaries | Mendonca Last Name Obits - Legacy.com 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. If Darren Galas killed, he has to still see and kneel before the real JUDGE!!! Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews Everyone could tell was for show. 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. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. 26, 2023. Obituaries for March 26. For more on the Sandra Galas case, watch In Ice Cold Blood atOxygen.comand airingThursdays at 9/8c. Assault 1st..Justin and OPA really have faith in their abilities to go to trial. Larry and Toshie Mendonca: Where Are Sandra Galas' Parents Now? Lawrence Mendonca Jr. and Lawrence Mendonca console each other, Wednesday following the sentencing of Darren Galas in the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Weve been trying to get this case through for 12 years, he said. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Larry Wade McClendon, 2023 Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. The organization initially helped find leads in Sandras case by organizing golf tournaments but has still kept the tradition going. Change). Kauai man sentence in connection with strangling death of his wife Today's Paper 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 . -KHON2 News (2012), A 2006 Kauai case has new witnesses and interviews. Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder The maximum sentence Galas can receive for the plea is 10 years in prison and up to a $25,000 fine. Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman Darren Galas has since remarried. He was upset that sentencing was delayed. At that time Mendonca took the news crew to the grave of his daughter . Too much Shibai on Kauai. 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. No justice on Kauai for its citizen victims none. Hawaii Murder Victim's Family Waits 12 Years For Justice, Starts Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai OnceShinjowas imprisoned, he refused to speak further on Sandra's murder case, according to In Ice Cold Blood.. About 100 people attended the emotional sentencing, marked by tears, with some viewing the proceedings in an overflow courtroom. Whats the problem Judge Watanabe? Sandra Galas filed for divorce in August 2005. saw the dateline episode too. Today's Paper Why make a killers life easier? He enjoyed time with those who love him, going fishing, playing basketball, riding down dirt roads, playing chess, and listening to music. Sandy has been dead a LONG time this man is the man we all suspected all along and he already HAD his extra freedom- he saw Christmas this year for example. Finding out about his daughters death over the phone, Larry Mendonca told the court he felt sick to his stomach, like it was a kick in the gut horror, pain and shock. What about Sandy? Assault in the second degree is rubbish, everyone knows what he did. God will be the ultimate judge. A to-go bento breakfast welcomed golfers to the shotgun start at the Hokuala Ocean Course. Honolulu Advertiser & Star-Bulletin Obituaries January 1 - Library Murder charge reduced - The Garden Island 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. I told the prosecutors and the police I would be a thorn in their side, (until the case was solved and prosecuted).. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, Military identifies Oahu remains as World War II aviator, Hawaii has 5 other active volcanoes in addition to Kilauea, 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. "She won't be forgotten as long as I'm alive," Mendonca said as hepromised to bring her killer to justice. 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. Darren had a history of domestic violence and it was rumored that he was angry Sandra was dating someone new. The peak-season surcharge will continue through September, covering the busiest months of the year for ferry travel. Inslee, a Democrat elected in 2012, previously said . On June 15, 2018, Dateline premiered The Other Side of Paradise on NBC. Husband Pleads No Contest to Wifes Murder on Kauai The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. She additionally mentioned how her estranged husband had been allegedly harassing her. The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. For years, Sandra's estranged husband Darren Galas was the . Darren Galas, 40 of Kalaheo was arrested for the 2006 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas. Once released from prison, Darren Galas will have to pay $9,415.99 in restitution and $4,000 in funeral costs for Sandra Galas. Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death By The Garden Island | Wednesday, May 30, 2018, 2:11 p.m. Share this story. So many setbacks and delays. The detective dug intothe case from the beginning and unearthed letters from Sandra to her divorce attorney that indicated she was frightened of Darren. In 2006, police didn't have enough evidence to arrest Galas immediately after the crime. Larry Hamilton Obituary (2022) - Mendon, OH - The Lima News To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, Obituary Larry Mendonca November 27, 1944 - January 15, 2021 Manteca, California - Larry David Mendonca, a resident of Manteca, passed away in Stockton, CA, on Friday, January 15, 2021.. Editors Note: You can watch the full episode of Dateline for a limited time on the NBC app. She would want you to live your life Happy. Required fields are marked *. Obituary for Larry Wade McClendon | Marianna Chapel Funeral Home Sandy G is in heaven looking and smiling at you. With their families blessings, the couple tied the knot in 1999 and eventually had two sons, Austin and Brayden. The justice system in America is broken. He was born in American Samoa. Its bull. Enter Guys this isnt normal! In a confrontation outside of courtroom six where the hearing took place, Mendonca angrily confronted Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar and Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Winn. sad. He was born on June 14, 1975 to Donald Wayne Beasley and Sarah Jane McClendon. The Eleele man had been charged with murder in the second degree, but pleaded no contest to the lesser charge in January. Obituaries for February 20 What a complete slap in the face for Sandys family. 10 years for Galas - The Garden Island Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder 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. Monday, May 1, 2023 | Throughout the years, the many delays in trying the case brought pain to not only the Mendonca family but the entire community of Kauai, Kollar said. WA Gov. Jay Inslee won't seek reelection for fourth term Who Are Larry and Toshie Mendonca? By participating in online discussions you The case went cold again, but the Mendoncas and Chief Perry refused to give up hope. Larry has been very frustrated at this decision and fears that his daughters killer could get even more reductions in his sentence in the next few years. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Justice At Last for Sandy G? Honolulu Advertiser & Star-Bulletin Obituaries January 1 - December 31, 1996 K . Would you like to offer Larry David Mendoncas loved ones a condolence message? Your email address will not be published. This idiot clearly killed his wife. Seattle Times political reporter. Wade was a lifelong resident of Jackson County, FL, and was a graduate of Grand Ridge High School in 1992. Wade was a lifelong resident of Jackson County, FL, and was a graduate of Grand Ridge High School in 1992. 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