Kauai man arrested in 2006 cold case murder Sensing he might be lying, the detectives searched his home for evidence but had to let him go when they were left empty-handed. WA Gov. Jay Inslee won't seek reelection for fourth term Sections; Print Replica; Search . Sandra Galas case, memory live on sad his kids crew up to be a punk just like their father. Im going to be very curious what Kollar has to say about the plea deal after sentencing is done. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Lawrence and Toshie Mendonca, Sandy Gs parents, and her brother Lawrence, started the tournament to raise funds for the YWCA of Kauai to help victims and survivors of domestic violence, and to keep the Sandy G case alive in the publics minds. He was the husband of the late Maria Jose (Vieira) Mendonca. She will never get to see and attend any of her children graduation. Your email address will not be published. He was a man committed to his family and was someone who had always shown them unconditional love, Green said. His and Toshies prayers were partly heard in January 2018: Darren accepted a plea deal and pled no contest to the charges of second-degree assault with severe bodily harm. In other words, United States Citizens do not receive justice in the way our founding fathers envisioned. 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. This man should have been executed 10 years ago. This guy went church, but started only last year. She would want you to live your life Happy. In 2007, Mendonca partnered with the YWCA Kauai and Dennis (Mendonca's cousin) and Susan Cabral, to begin hosting the annual Never Forget Sandy G Golf Tournament. Because of a selfish act for Galas to end her life. He was born on June 14, 1975 to Donald Wayne Beasley and Sarah Jane McClendon. The Galas were married in 1999 and separated in 2005. Birthday girl Janet May of Baltimore and Toshie Mendonca, mother of Sandra Mendonca Sandy G Galas, are ready to be chauffeured around the Hokuala Ocean Course Sunday during the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament benefiting the YWCA of Kauai. The delay in justice angered Larry for the next six years, as he was adamant about seeing the investigation through to the end. Maria De La Luz Rivera Quintana, 96, of Midland, TX, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at her residence. Sandra Galas was found dead in her car parked in the garage of her home on Jan. 25, 2006. Congratulations Mr. Mendonca you made a promise at her grave and you did it. Sandra and Darren had recently separatedafter Sandra found out that Darren was cheating. Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation Recent Deaths in Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser Kauai man sentenced for wifes death At that time Mendoncatook the news crew to the grave of his daughter, SandraGalas. October 3, 2022 (84 years old) View obituary. Find Larry Mendonca obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com It is one thing to do a horrible thing, another to lie and not do the time for the crime. Raymond Kealohaokalani Lui Jr. Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise. All I can say. Darren Galas, 40 of Kalaheo was arrested for the 2006 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas. Larry Mendonca | MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL Larry Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, receives a hug from a friend after court on Monday. Lawrence "Larry" Tsuneji Yamamoto Obituary We lost a dear person, so whatever happened it doesnt bring it back, it doesnt make it OK. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Everybody is a winner, said Renae Hamilton-Cambeilh, the YWCA of Kauai executive director. The KSSK staff gathered around Larry Price to say . On the mainland admitted murderers arent allowed to play golf and hit the bar for a few more monthsever! 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.!! 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. Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Larry David Mendonca to pay them a last tribute. DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise Very disappointed in what passes as justice here on Kauai. Larry Wade McClendon, age 47, of Round Lake, Fl., passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his residence. The retired Air Force Officer claimed on the show how the latter allegedly brainwashed the young boys against their mother and grandparents. D.V. Friday at Hilo Hawaii State Center, Cultural Hall, 1373 Kilauea Ave. 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. Dateline is airing a story on June 15th that should shed light on things. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. I told the prosecutors and the police I would be a thorn in their side, (until the case was solved and prosecuted).. No stomach for actual punishment? 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. Required fields are marked *. I worked with Sandra and remember you walking around her work place giving all the guys stinkeye thinking every one of them was fooling around with her. Lawrence "Larry" Mendonca was of Portuguese origins and served in the Air Force for 22 years, while his wife, Toshie, was Japanese. Larry "Wade" McClendon, age 47, of Round Lake, Fl., passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his residence. This is an instance of judicial incompetence and insensitivity to victims. In 2006, police didn't have enough evidence to arrest Galas immediately after the crime. The fight for justice in the slaying of Eleele woman Sandra Galas has been a long one, her father Larry Mendonca said. She wasnt given consideration in any right. To send flowers Maybe we need some stronger people in charge. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Nanakuli Door of Faith Church, 89-142 Haleakala Ave. What a shame. On June 15, 2018, Dateline premiered The Other Side of Paradise on NBC. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with her ohana following todays verdict., Strangled to death and pleading to Assault. The law needs to change from reasonable doubt to common sense! Would you like to offer Larry David Mendoncas loved ones a condolence message? Galas was strangled to death in her car at her Eleele home in 2006, a crime that shocked the island and stood unsolved for several years before estranged husband Darren Galas was convicted in 2018. Obituaries | Big Island Now Today's Paper Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News - Hawaii Renovation Soon,Shinjowas arrested by federal authorities on unrelated charges: He was involved in a meth trafficking operation. The evidence was lacking, however, and he was released, then granted custody of the two boys. Sandy doesnt get to see her children grow up much less their graduation so who gives a rats behind if Darren Galas doesnt get to see his kids graduate? Larry retired after a few years, and the family moved to Kauai, Hawaii, where they created an idyllic life on a sprawling ranch in Anahola. Hawaii Murder Victim's Family Waits 12 Years For Justice, Starts All rights reserved. He enjoyed time with those who love him, going fishing, playing basketball, riding down dirt roads, playing chess, and listening to music. Bethany Freudenthal, Courts, Crime and County reporter, 652-7891 bfreudenthal@thegardenisland.com, While you spend time in prison I will seek out your Sons to tell them the real truth about you. He deserves to never see the light of day. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. Theres no justice here. There seemed to be enough evidence to take this man to trial for murder until Justin F. Kollar was elected. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Hawaii Obituaries | Honolulu Star-Advertiser Find Larry Mendonca obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com. Given Darren and Sandras rocky marriage and how she had been applying for divorce, her parents were sure he was responsible for her death. Once released from prison, Darren Galas will have to pay $9,415.99 in restitution and $4,000 in funeral costs for Sandra Galas. They protected the Kauai Serial Killer who everyone know who he is. Obituary of Tyler Michael Mendonca - Cornell Memorial The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. The family producedbumper stickers and offered a standing $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term Wade is survived by his children, Cameron Wade McClendon of Chattahoochee, FL, Hunter McClendon and wife, Natasha of Albany, GA, Zane Ares McClendon of Altha, Metallica McClendon and Galadreil McClendon both of Edison, GA, Krislyn McClendon of Altha; andhis mother, Sarah Jane McClendon. 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. Who Are Larry and Toshie Mendonca? People hide it, Kollar said. Its bull. Hence, the lack of entry was enough for the investigators to charge him with second-degree murder. But well do whatever we can to move on, he said. 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 . In the years following Sandra's murder, her family had already begun healing by helping others, however, and that work continues today. It is my hope that they will have a relationship with their Grandparents. send us an email. During the initial investigation, the police suspected Darren and questioned him. Obituaries Archives - Hawaii Tribune-Herald He was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. The couple had their son, Lawrence Jr., in 1976, and their daughter, Sandra, was born on May 15, 1978, in Misawa, Japan. READ MORE Posted in Family Placed Obituaries Larry Regulio Pagoyo Published . Both men failed their polygraph tests. | 72.401. Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer Funeral Home website by. July 16, 2022 (95 years old) View obituary. Sandra Galas was found strangled to death in her garage in 2006,and police soon zeroed in on two suspects. I have no faith in the justice system. 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. Even woman stalk their husbands, Dont tell me you men never did that ?!? But thats not the most difficult thing hes had to deal with in his sisters death. 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. Honolulu Obituaries | Local Obits for Honolulu, HI 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. L Love, your California Ohana May 4, 2021 Dearest Carole,Kim, Kendelle and Family, Lawrence will remain in our hearts forever! He was born in Honolulu. -KHON2 News (2018), Related Links: discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Watanabe told Galas the court accepted his change of plea in the reduced charge of assault in the first degree from guilty to no contest and found him guilty of assault in the first degree. Vehicle fares for May 1 to Sept. 23 are available online at wsdot.wa.gov . Nevertheless, Larry continued fighting for justice and knocked on every door in the city to seek help in his mission. Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy She feared that no matter what, Darren Galas would always be harassing her. We were separated but at times we were still intimate. Copyright 2023 TheGardenIsland.com. First degree assault for taking the life of another human being. The day of reckoning is finally at hand for this defendant, he said. It is a sad fate for many women and girls on this island to have the cultural norm of tolerating domestic violence, and sexual abuse. Dictionaries may provide definitions, but that means very little when legal system gives us the law, not justice. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. 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. Why make a killers life easier? Sandra's family was devastated, but prosecutors knew that going to trial with the evidence they had would risk Darren walking free. I dont know why it took this long to actually complete this case. Visitation: 10:00 a.m.; Services: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April . . He raised the children that he and Sandra had together, and they are here in court today. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and was an avid New York Rangers, Yankees and Jets fan. Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death can stop at any time. Lawrence Mendonca, Galas father and a strong supporter of the YWCA of Kauai, said a final push on the morning of the tournament moved the field to the tournaments maximum 30 teams (consisting of four persons each) playing a modified scramble format with no post-event party because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keith Morrison follows a cold case for nearly 10 years, as a father in Hawaii fights to bring his daughter's killer to justice despite one setback after another. And when some of the women do stand up and try to pull away the perps it can esculate into murder like this case. Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation - Hawaii Reporter Reading from emails sent to her divorce attorney between 2005 and up to January 2006, Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar described a woman who was living in fear of her husband Darren Galas. He was smoking weed in KCCC and that allowed him to stay even longer. Obituaries on April 10, 2022 | Honolulu Star-Advertiser Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman He also leaves behind his sisters, Crystal Davis and husband, Josh of Altha, Heather Storm and husband, Bubba of Auburn, AL, Dana Pettit and Nikki Coulliette both of Alford, Fl; and his grandson, Harrison White. Your email address will not be published. Read more about the life story of Larry and share your memory. Basketball legend Rivers, longtime Globetrotter, dies at 73 Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m . Hawaii Obituaries. DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise By participating in online discussions you Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Larry has been very frustrated at this decision and fears that his daughters killer could get even more reductions in his sentence in the next few years. Lawrence Yamamoto - Honolulu, Hawaii , Mililani Memorial Park 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. its amazing how his ignorant friends and family can stand behind this punk. If your comments Murder charge reduced Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death Scrubs!> The feds need to do a thorough investigation intoOPA and KPD!!!! Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. Also the information in the article is incorrect as that the change of plea was NOT from guilty to no contest his original plea was NOT guilty and was changed to no contest. She was the nicest person and everyone liked her personality and work ethic. He kept going until the mother of his children was dead. Eventually, in 2008, the detectives found Darrens DNA on the clothes Sandra was found in, and Larry and Toshie hoped for a breakthrough. LIHUE A Kauai man pleaded no contest Monday to the reduced charge of assault in the first degree in the death of his wife 12 years ago. Please move on with you family. An insightful 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. 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.