LIHUE — Darren Galas, 46, of Eleele, was today sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for his involvement in the 2006 death of his wife, Sandra Mendonca Galas.
LIHUE — Darren Galas, 46, of Eleele, was today sentenced to serve 10 years in prison for his involvement in the 2006 death of his wife, Sandra Mendonca Galas.
The sentence was imposed by Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen N.A. Watanabe after hearing victim impact statements from Sandra’s father Larry, her brother Lawrence Jr., and her uncle Dennis Cabral. Galas was represented by Michael Green, Esq., and Prosecuting Attorney Kollar argued on behalf of the state.
Sandra was found strangled to death in her car at her Eleele home on Jan. 25, 2006. The case remained open until a grand jury returned an indictment in late October 2012. In January of this year, Galas pleaded no contest to a charge of assault in the first degree, a class B felony.
Kollar thanked the Kauai Police Department and everyone who worked on the case over the years, especially Detective Joe Adric.
“This case has been prominently in the public view for 13 years thanks to the efforts of Larry Mendonca and the efforts of the YWCA,” Kollar stated. “While nothing can bring back Sandra, this will hopefully provide some sense of resolution to Sandra’s ‘ohana. When we lost her, Kauai lost a mother, a daughter, a talented dancer, and an incredible person. We will not stop until we erase the scourge of domestic violence in our community and we will never forget Sandy G.”
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Only 10 years for killing someone…so which judge or cop is Galas related to?
How exactly was he allowed to plead guilty to a second class felony ?? I mean seriously isn’t that attempted murder ?? At the very least he should have gotten manslaughter. We need a justice system on Kauai that actually punishes the criminals.
He’s a murderer and he gets only 10 years? Pakalolo growers get decades for being gardeners and this guy gets 10 years. SMH.
After watching Dateline tonight, it is apparently fortunate that this murderer got 10 years: it sounds like the prosecutor, like many, only wanted to try a “sure thing”- no guts, no glory, so Galas did not go on trial for murder. Her father is apparently correct when he says that Kauai is a good place to get away with murder.
Larry-Writing from Washington state. I am so sorry this had happened to you and your beautiful daughter. I think most who watched felt the extreme frustration your family felt dealing with a justice system who literally operated on “island time”. No disrespect to my islanders friends, but 12 years to get that case settled.
To you specifically Larry my heart aches for you and Toshi but I am so grateful you were able to see justice for Sandy in your lifetime. You are good soul my friend and from my family to yours mohalo and may god grant peace on you all.
His sons should take a 2nd look at their father. He is a murderer who took the life of a young beautiful woman who was loved by many. I pray for the parents of this lovely girl. May they finally find peace
My son went to grade school w Sandy. I know her family. This whole thing is one of the saddest strangest things I’ve ever seen. I’m a long retired criminal defense attorney and the fact that the gutless Kauai Prosecutor wouldn’t take this to trial on the murder charge is pathetic. Yes, there WAS a paucity of evidence BUT as Prosecutor you take your best shot and hope for the best. He made a cowardly call in letting Galas plead to assault.