News Releases

Steven Zapata faces 80 to 120 years to life in prison if convicted as charged

ALHAMBRA, Calif. – A 27-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders who was killed in a traffic collision during a vehicle pursuit last week. A woman was also killed during the crash.

“I am absolutely heartbroken by this devastating incident that claimed the life of Officer Alec Sanders,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “We honor his courage and his sacrifice, and we hold his loved ones and the Alhambra Police Department in our thoughts. I also express my condolences to Gabriela Moreno’s family during this time. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our community safe. Thank you to the California Highway Patrol for their investigation into this matter. Our Office will do its job with the strength and resolve this tragedy warrants to hold the individual accountable for their actions.”

Steven Ara Zapata (dob 04/24/98) of El Monte is charged in case 25AHCF00503 with two felony counts of murder, one felony count of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury and two felony counts of fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle causing death.

It is further alleged that one of the victims was a peace officer, and that Zapata’s reckless driving caused a bone fracture to another victim. It also is alleged that Zapata personally inflicted great bodily injury on a person other than an accomplice.

“On behalf of the California Highway Patrol, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Alhambra Police Department Officer Alec Sanders,” California Highway Patrol Chief Chris Margaris said. “His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. We also mourn the loss of Gabriela Moreno and offer our thoughts to her family. We are proud of the diligent work our detectives and investigative partners have done on this case, and we remain committed to supporting the Alhambra Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in seeking justice in their honor.”

On Nov. 20, at approximately 3 a.m., Zapata allegedly led police on a vehicle pursuit in Alhambra while driving a stolen vehicle. Zapata is accused of crashing into Officer Sanders’ police cruiser at Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive, resulting in Officer Sanders’ death. One of Zapata’s passengers, 42-year-old Moreno, was also killed in the crash. A 52-year-old male passenger was seriously injured.

Zapata was arrested by the Alhambra Police Department. His arraignment will be scheduled on a later date.

If convicted as charged, Zapata faces 80 to 120 years to life in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Eric Siddall and David Ayvazian of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division and is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol’s Major Crimes Unit.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.