A California judge has ruled that a man convicted of a deadly school shooting over two decades ago can be resentenced, a decision that could see him walk free after 23 years behind bars.
The 2001 Santana High School Tragedy
Charles Williams, who was just 15 years old at the time, opened fire at Santana High School in San Diego on 5 March 2001. Using his father's revolver, he killed two fellow students and wounded 13 other people, including 11 students and two staff members. The victims who died were 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon.
Williams pleaded guilty and was subsequently sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Now aged 39, he is currently held at the California Institution for Men in Chino.
Legal Pathway to a New Sentence
The judge's decision on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, means Williams' case will be transferred to juvenile court. This move is due to a 2011 law that allows judges to reconsider life sentences for juvenile offenders. A further 2022 appeals court ruling expanded eligibility to include those with the "functional equivalent" of life without parole.
As a result of this transfer, his convictions will be redesignated as juvenile "true findings" because of his age at the time of the crime. Prosecutors state this will lead to his immediate release from prison without parole supervision, and he could potentially be placed on juvenile probation.
Prosecution Vows to Fight Release
The San Diego County District Attorney's office, led by Summer Stephan, has announced it will challenge the ruling in the appellate court to try and stop his release. Prosecutors argue that Williams remains a danger to the public.
"As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety, and the defendant’s cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed," Stephan said. She emphasised the need for laws to balance the rights of defendants with the rights of victims and community safety.
Williams was deemed an "unreasonable risk to public safety" and denied parole in September 2024. The parole board also noted it was unclear if he fully understood why he committed the shooting. His attorney has not yet commented on the latest judicial decision.
