The Snapchat Killer
Why did Salvador Sanchez, a youth fresh from high school, who had spent months fully immersed in his church youth group, and filled with a faith he was eager to share suddenly turn into a killer? On the night of April 22, 2017, nineteen-year-old Salvador Sanchez clothed himself in all white because it was symbolic and pure, before killing his best friend, Maithem Alfuraiji. Salvador then immediately posted videos to Snapchat, boasting and joking about what he had done.
Was Salvador a cold and callous murderer as the prosecution contended? Or did he suffer a psychotic break, overcome by mental illness, believing he must kill in order to save others as the defense propounded? Did Salvador really have a vision that Maithem’s reckless driving would cause the death of 20 children and Salvador alone was called upon to stop it?
Or was this a manufactured excuse concocted to save himself? Did the answer somehow lie in Salvador’s unstable childhood, born to a thirteen-year-old mother who at times suffered from mental issues, bounced from home to home, and exposed to fanatical religion? Or could the answer be more straightforward: a marijuana induced psychosis?
Read about this gripping and heartbreaking trial in the fall issue of https://cbdatwork.com/. The story begins on page 38.
About Aleida K. Wahn, Esq.
I am an attorney, award-winning true crime writer, and legal analyst of criminal cases. I cover criminal trials and write stories about compelling, gripping, and unforgettable cases that impact our world. I take you into the courtroom in high-profile murder trials, rape cases, crimes of passion, cases involving mental illness, deviant behavior, and more. I have a deep passion for true crime, criminal law, and all aspects of the criminal justice system. I have appeared as an expert on true crime shows and provided legal analysis on high-profile criminal trials on Court TV, the Law & Crime Trial Network, Fox 5 News, ABC 10 News, and KUSI News. I also create and host shows with the Del Mar Television Producers Group, addressing criminal justice and social issues in recent criminal trials.
I provided my insight and legal analysis on Court TV and the Law & Crime Trial Network of the high-profile trial of former NFL star Kellen Winslow Jr. It was a trial that captured the nation as the heralded ex-football star with fame, fortune, and a famous name stood accused of multiple rapes and other sex crimes involving five women. As the trial delved into shocking facts, complicated legal issues, and unexpected twists and turns, I was there for every minute. After the trial, I wrote a book on the case, going behind the headlines to share the extraordinary details of what happened inside the courtroom. Judging Winslow Jr.: From NFL Star to Serial Rapist? Inside the Shocking Rape Trial of Kellen Boswell Winslow II is now available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZLM5HCG
I am passionate about telling true crime stories, as these penetrating stories have the power to move us all, while highlighting societal issues which need to be addressed. I have personally seen the human devastation which is present in each trial and believe there is a lesson to be learned in every single case. It is through awareness and examining critical issues society can effect change and even make new laws. To learn more, please visit: www.aleidalaw.com.
