Your honor, thats how domestic violence works power and control, Kollar said. He and Toshie reside in Kauai, where they run the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation with their son. to the family or plant a tree Larry Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, receives a hug from a friend after court on Monday. If there was the police should have said. The journey ahead was quite draining, as he and Toshie had to wait several years before the killer was held accountable. Darren, you are a jerk. 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. Larry Price leaves behind popular radio show, legacy of good deeds. It is my hope that they will have a relationship with their Grandparents. Call . An insightful Today's Paper Mutsue Okahara. These boys are standing behind their father from what Ive read at other sites. Greens said his client was indicted on the eve of a general election. For years, Sandra's estranged husband Darren Galas was the . 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 . Born in Furnas, St. Miguel, he. He could present really well, in the courtroom, in church. Kauai man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. All rights reserved. Enter LAWRENCE KANESHIRO Lawrence Kaneshiro, born in Wahiawa on March 2, 1940, went home to be with his Savior on February 7, 2021. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. 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. He was born in Hilo. Director of Golf at the Hokuala Ocean Course Tom Freestone, right, welcomes the visit by Randy Byrd and Doug Sutter Sunday at the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament at the Ocean Course. Arrest made in cold case murder of Sandra Galas Good Job Mr. Green, thats why you are one of the best in HawaiiAny chance of you running for Prosecutor to help Kauai?? Its also the birthday of Sandy Gs brother, and today is the Sandy G golf tournament. After he wasreleased, however, he told investigators aboutDarrens violent behaviorhe witnessed. A private family service will be held at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Mendonca said he no longer wants to talk to prosecutors. 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. He kept going until the mother of his children was dead. July 16, 2022 (95 years old) View obituary. After Darren's sentencing, however, the event continued, traditionally earning between $12,000 and $15,000 for the YWCA, according to theGarden Island. Dateline first came upon the story of Larry Mendonca and his daughter while on another Dateline assignment back in 2009. Soon,Shinjowas arrested by federal authorities on unrelated charges: He was involved in a meth trafficking operation. Private services held. We hold a special place in our hearts for them. He was smoking weed in KCCC and that allowed him to stay even longer. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Vote out prosecutor Kollar. 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. He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Keith Morrison Previews: The Other Side of Paradise May 13, 2016. Your email address will not be published. On June 15, 2018, Dateline premiered The Other Side of Paradise on NBC. On Jan. 25, 2006, Sandra Galas, 27, was found strangled to death in her car at her Eleele home. 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. First degree assault for taking the life of another human being. We need to get a new prosecutor in here.. 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. Galas had clearly been assaulted and strangled, and authorities had only two suspects:Shinjo, whose behavior raised suspicion, and her estranged husband, Darren Galas. He robbed Sandras family and children of her future with them. Larry "Wade" McClendon, age 47, of Round Lake, Fl., passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his residence. Having lost his young son, Chief Perry empathized with the Mendoncas and decided to take over the investigation. Dateline is airing a story on June 15th that should shed light on things. They knew that at trial, defense attorneys would point to RyanShinjo, who was their other suspect and in federal prison on drug charges. Bethany Freudenthal / The Garden Island Larry Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, receives a hug from a friend after court on Monday. He deserves to never see the light of day. Green said despite the devastation of what the sons were facing, throughout their lives their dad had been a role model. acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday (April 1) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Who did he pay off or whatever? Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term Husband Pleads No Contest to Wifes Murder on Kauai The peak-season surcharge will continue through September, covering the busiest months of the year for ferry travel. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. In March 2018, Galas was sentenced to a ten year open prison term for his connection to the crime, the maximum that could be imposed. The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Larry David Mendonca to pay them a last tribute. 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. WTF is wrong here. Everybody is a winner, said Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh, the YWCA of Kauai executive director. Required fields are marked *. Frightening and DEVASTATING reality for woman and children in Kauai. On June 15, 2018, Dateline premiered The Other Side of Paradise on NBC. The murder gripped the island and the"Never Forget Sandy G"movement to raise awareness of domestic abuse echoed throughout the Kauai community. -KHON2 News (2012), A 2006 Kauai case has new witnesses and interviews. Friday at Hilo Hawaii State Center, Cultural Hall, 1373 Kilauea Ave. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. send us an email. Everyone could tell was for show. It's the true crime story of Sandra Galas and her father's quest for cold case justice. He was predeceased by : his parents, Frank Mendonca and Evelyn Mendonca; and his brothers, Frank Mendonca Jr. and Ernie Mendonca. 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 toMidweek Kauai. -KHON2 News (2018), Kauai man Darren Galas has been sentenced in connection with his wifes 2006 murder. For years, Sandras estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. Today's Paper Elder Fernandes Found Deceased in Temple, Texas; Death Ruled Suicide by Dallas Medical Examiner (August 25,2020), Stars and Stripes: Why is Fort Hood the Armys Most Crime-Ridden Post? Larry Wade McClendon, age 47, of Round Lake, Fl., passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his residence. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Unfortunately, the Galas family fell apart in 2005 when Sandra discovered Darrens infidelity and separated from him. Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy 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. Thats how we get here today, Green said. Dec 1, 2022. Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death 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. Its sad when Larry had to work diligently to investigate his daughters murder. (LogOut/ By participating in online discussions you Michael Green, Darren Galas lawyer, wraps up his paperwork, Wednesday while sheriffs escort Galas out of the courtroom following his sentencing at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Galas was sentenced to a 10-year open prison term for his connection to the crime. Tears for you. She feared that no matter what, Darren Galas would always be harassing her. Scrubs!> The feds need to do a thorough investigation intoOPA and KPD!!!! Scoop: Coming Up on DATELINE on NBC Today, June 15, 2018 And, who wouldve thought that the tournament would last as long as it has.. Now he only is serving 10 years. Sandra Galas suffered a brutal death that took 10 years for authorities to prosecute, but her family made sure that all was not in vain, harnessing tragedy to help victims of domestic violence find safety. Grand jury indicts Kauai man in cold case murder of wife He claimed that Sandra was supposed to pick up their sons from his house on January 25, but she never came. How do you tell a woman that the baby shed once nursed had been found dead, that the infant who had clung to her bosom, fallen asleep in her arms, played on her legs, skipped off to school, clutching the lunch she had made for her, was now dead, he told the court. The pain is still there. The case remained open until a grand jury returned an indictment in October 2012. PLEASE Kauai. The KSSK staff gathered around Larry Price to say . Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death Though this meant Darren would get a reduced sentence, the Mendoncas legal counsel advised them that given the lack of evidence, it would be better if the case avoided trial. For real tho, if you want to get away with murder, come Kauai. The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. Darren Galas, framed by a sheriff, reacts to remarks being delivered by Lawrence Galas, Jr., Wednesday morning during the sentencing at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Husband Pleads No Contest to Wifes Murder on Kauai She was 27 years old at the time of her death, reports say, and the mother of two young children. acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Whats the problem Judge Watanabe? In the years following Sandra's murder, her family had already begun healing by helping others, however, and that work continues today. saw the dateline episode too. The system likes to hide things from us. 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. They protected the Kauai Serial Killer who everyone know who he is. Because of a selfish act for Galas to end her life. No justice on Kauai for its citizen victims none. Her estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. Air Force retiree Larry Mendonca's daughter Sandra was found strangled to death in her . Maybe we need some stronger people in charge. Every day had an entry of some sort, except for the day of the murder, when Sandra obviously didn't show. READ MORE Posted in Family Placed Obituaries Clarence C. Mendonca Published On April 10th, 2022 85, of Hilo, Hawaii, died on March 18, 2022 in Hilo. Police believe Sandra Galas was killed while she and Darren Galas were involved in a custody dispute over their two children. For years, Sandras estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. Very disappointed in what passes as justice here on Kauai. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. 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. If your comments The morning of her death, Sandra was expected to pick up the boys from Darren's house, but she never showed up, he told investigators. Kauai man sentenced for wifes death 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. Prior to the change of plea, a trial was scheduled for the end of April, Mendonca said. Albeit, troubles were far from over for the Mendoncas, as in March 2022, Darrens minimum term was reduced by six months. (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. Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death . The golf tournament originally served two purposes: To help victims and survivors, and to keep Sandra's case alive in the public mind. Sandra Galas filed for divorce in August 2005. This wasnt justice this was I GOT AWAY WITH MURDER I am going to let everyone know about this case and we will boycott Kauai! Our detectives and the prosecutor have shown their utter incompetence. Lawrence Mendonca and Lawrence Mendonca, Sandra Mendonca Galas father and brother, respectively, roll out for a shotgun start Sunday at the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament benefiting the YWCA of Kauai at the Hokuala Ocean Course in Lihue. Weve been trying to get this case through for 12 years, he said. He was going about his life while we were just sitting here hoping this was a nightmare, Sandra's brother Lawrence Mendonca told producers. Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman Theyre the only ones right now who have suffered a big loss, he said. NBCs Dateline: The Other Side of Paradise delves into this heartbreaking case and chronicles how Sandras parents fought tooth and nail for several years to ensure her killer was brought to justice. Telling his wife of their daughters death was one of the most difficult things Larry Mendonca said he has ever had to do. Assault in the second degree is rubbish, everyone knows what he did. 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. Jim Brunner. Yes, its my birthday, May said. the state Department of Human Services, died last Wednesday Aug 14, 1996 at home. Justice didnt get served- it got played. Today's Paper The same picture is on the front page of your paper and it looks like, you know, hes already in prison. Kauai man sentence in connection with strangling death of his wife There was no hard core evidence against Darren. She wasnt given consideration in any right. Unfortunately, his old age and deteriorating health took a toll on him, and he suffered a heart attack in February 2017 aged 75. This man just admitted (in a roundabout way), that he killed his wife. Now he going fool the parole board. All you guys care about is numbers, Mendonca yelled. Editors Note: You can watch the full episode of Dateline for a limited time on the NBC app. Galas sentenced All I can say. All rights reserved. . Saw Dateline and was disgusted by how this guy got to raise his children after he strangled their mother. Sandra Galas was found dead in her car parked in the garage of her home on Jan. 25, 2006. 26, 2023. Morrison said in promotional material for the broadcast, "we had no idea then where this meeting would lead us.". Unfortunately, due to parental alienation, Sandras father Larry has no relationship with her two children. Justice At Last for Sandy G? Mendonca family I pray for you to move on, because this life is temporary, if Darren is guilty he will pay for an eternity in hell. Tarry Low gets to skip trial to go to Vegas- now the admitted killer of Sandy G gets a few extra months of freedom- why? 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. After graduating high school, Sandra moved to New York for her college. The evidence was lacking, however, and he was released, then granted custody of the two boys. The organization initially helped find leads in Sandras case by organizing golf tournaments but has still kept the tradition going. He should consider himself damn lucky to only get 10 years, he said. Sections; Print Replica; Search . Read More: Where Are Sandra Galas Sons Now? Luckily, in 2012, Chief Perry reassigned the case to a new investigator, who soon unearthed the most crucial evidence. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. 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. 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! Hopefully there will be no chance of parole for him! Wade was a contractor by trade with a specialty in flooring. An insightful Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews All rights reserved. Both men failed their polygraph tests. Golfers Kekoa Colipano and Sean Shigematsu are ready for the Hokuala Ocean Course Sunday during the shotgun start of the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament. The Mendoncas world shattered on January 25, 2006, when Ryan found Sandra dead in her garage. In a confrontation outside of courtroom six where the hearing took place, Mendonca angrily confronted Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar and Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Winn. Rarely do we get away and win. Galas killed his wife and admitted to to several people yet gets a plea deal!?!! And last Christmas and like 9 Christmases before that. On the mainland admitted murderers arent allowed to play golf and hit the bar for a few more monthsever! Below is a list of Hawaii obituaries. Required fields are marked *. By participating in online discussions you Browse the most recent Hawaii obituaries and death notices. In January 2018, a plea deal was reached Darren would plead no contest to first-degree assault inflicting serious bodily harm. In March 2018, Galas was sentenced to a ten year open prison term for his connection to the crime, the maximum that could be imposed. Monday, May 1, 2023 | Your email will not be used for any other purpose. He enjoyed time with those who love him, going fishing, playing basketball, riding down dirt roads, playing chess, and listening to music. Wade was a contractor by trade with a . Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case The key piece of evidence arrived in the form of a calendar Darren kept, including meticulous notes on every time Sandra upset him, including being late picking up the boys. 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. End of story! Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai 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.. This idiot clearly killed his wife. Sandy G is in heaven looking and smiling at you. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. 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. No stomach for actual punishment? I DONT THINK SO. While Darren made an entry almost daily, the police quickly noticed no mention of January 25, 2006. Your email address will not be published. FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY. As much as I try to avoid thinking about it, the big brother in me wont let me off the hook.. 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.!! 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. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Monday, May 1, 2023 | discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, 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. send us an email. He was born on June 14, 1975 to Donald Wayne Beasley and Sarah Jane McClendon. Assault!!! Nevertheless, Larry continued fighting for justice and knocked on every door in the city to seek help in his mission. Its the true crime story of Sandra Galas and her fathers quest for cold case justice. Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise. In other words, United States Citizens do not receive justice in the way our founding fathers envisioned. During this time, he met veteran police officer Darryl Perry and shared Sandras story. The couple married in 1999 and separated in 2005. Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder Men really? A former kpd cop set up Aurero Moores murder and possibly killed Monica Aves niece who was a so called vice informant. | 72.401. 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. Dateline first came upon the story of Larry Mendonca and his daughter while on another Dateline assignment back in 2009. Published On April 30th, 2023 80, of Kapolei, died in Kahuku on April 9, 2023. That day, he said, his family was given a life sentence full of pain, sorrow, agony and frustration, a life sentence with no parole. Click on a listing to enter a loved one's online memorial. Watanabe said the sentencing was scheduled for April 25 and asked the states position on the matter. Hawaii Obituaries. acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. At that time Mendonca took the news crew to the grave of his daughter . DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise Darren Galas has since remarried. As far as the plea deal goes, Kollar told TGI he could not go into detail about it until after sentencing has occurred, but it was a process of a lot of reflection and involved a lot of people. What about Sandy? Michael Green, Darren Galas lawyer, discuss financial restitution during Galas incarceration, Wednesday during Galas sentencing at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom.