Trial Begins for Man Accused in Shooting Death of Homeless Trans Woman

Trial Begins for Man Accused in Shooting Death of Homeless Trans Woman

Credit - The San Fernando Valley Sun

by Gabriel Arizon, San Fernando Valley Sun/El Sol

July 9, 2025

After years of delays, the trial began this week for the man accused of fatally shooting a homeless trans woman outside a Sylmar convenience store that authorities described as a hate-motivated killing.

Eric Antonio Sanchez, 32, appeared in the San Fernando Courthouse on Monday, July 7, and is charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault with a firearm. The murder charge comes with a hate crime allegation.

Eric Antonio Sanchez was charged with murder and attempted murder, with the charges including a hate-crime allegation, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Special allegations for use of a firearm are also added to each count. If convicted, Sanchez could be sentenced to more than 40 years to life in prison and would not be eligible for parole until he turns 78.

In 2022, a then 29-year-old Sanchez approached Cherry Bush, 48, in a parking lot near the intersection of Polk Street and Foothill Boulevard around 1:20 a.m. on July 5. Bush, wearing women’s clothing and nail polish, was talking to another person at the time. 

Sanchez allegedly made derogatory remarks about Bush’s appearance, fired multiple shots at the pair and fled the scene. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, Bush died from a gunshot wound to the head the following day. The bystander was not injured in the shooting.

A statement from the District Attorney’s Office said Bush “was allegedly targeted based on a presumption of [her] gender identity and sexual orientation.”

Sanchez has been held without bail since his arrest. Although he was arrested in 2022, the case has had numerous delays. Between 2024 and the jury trial commencing this week, only three of the 16 planned proceedings were held.

The trial began on Monday with the prosecution arguing that alleged evidence that Sanchez is in a gang was relevant to the case, which included social media posts. 

The defense attorney countered that the prosecution is already alleging that the shooting was a hate crime, and to call it a gang-related case was “highly inflammatory and prejudicial.” Judge Kevin Rosenberg sided with the defense, saying he did not find “probative value” in including the alleged gang evidence. 

Jury selection for the trial is expected to go forward this week.

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