Man Sentenced in Mission Viejo Shooting Case

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News Summary

Baltazar Santosalvarado, a 22-year-old man, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and other violent crimes related to a shooting incident in Mission Viejo. The incident, which occurred in June, left a victim with a gunshot wound. Santosalvarado’s criminal history includes prior felony charges for robbery and vandalism. In a separate case, another shooting resulted in a man’s death, raising community concerns about violence in the area. Authorities urge residents to report any suspicious activities.

Mission Viejo – A 22-year-old man, Baltazar Santosalvarado, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to involvement in a shooting incident that took place on June 23, 2024, in the 26000 block of Via Damasco. Santosalvarado’s guilty plea includes two counts of attempted murder, one count of aggravated mayhem, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon, all classified as felonies.

Santosalvarado was detained by sheriff’s deputies who responded to the shooting incident around 1:10 a.m. The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the arm and has been recovering. At the time of the shooting, Santosalvarado was out on bail for a robbery charge dated February 13, 2022. He had also pleaded guilty to vandalism charges on April 16, 2023, prior to this recent incident.

In a separate incident, on April 25, 2025, deputies responded to a shooting at an apartment complex located on La Glorietta. The victim, identified as Miguel Joaquin Mata, a 39-year-old man, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Sean Jeffery Williams, a 55-year-old man who resides in a nearby apartment, was arrested in connection with Mata’s death. He has been charged with murder alongside a sentence-enhancing allegation of discharge of a firearm causing death.

The motive behind Williams’s actions has not been disclosed as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The recent string of violent incidents, including this homicide, has raised concerns among residents. This particular incident marks the second deadly event at an apartment complex in Mission Viejo within a short period, following a stabbing incident that occurred in early April.

Local authorities are actively seeking further information from anyone who might have additional insights regarding both the Santosalvarado and Williams cases. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has urged the community to come forward if they hold any details that could aid in their ongoing investigations.

The sentencing of Santosalvarado highlights the ongoing issues surrounding violent crimes in local neighborhoods, particularly given his prior charges and the serious nature of his recent offenses. With rising public concern, officials emphasize the need for community cooperation to ensure public safety and address the root causes of such criminal behavior.

As both investigations continue, Mission Viejo’s residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help maintain peace in the community.