Charles Andrew “Andy” Williams at 15 (r) and today at 38 (l)Photo: Getty Images / California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Charles "Andy" Williams, the shooter responsible for the 2001 attack at Santana High School in Santee, may soon be released under a resentencing law.
On Tuesday, a Superior Court judge granted Williams' request to be resentenced in juvenile court, potentially allowing his immediate release.
Williams, who was 15 at the time of the attack, killed two students and injured 13 others. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to all charges.
The San Diego County district attorney's office is appealing the decision, arguing that Williams' actions warrant the original sentence. District Attorney Summer Stephan stated:
"This defendant carried out a calculated, cold-blooded attack... As prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety."
Williams was denied parole in 2024 after being deemed a public safety risk. At the time of that hearing, Williams issued a statement through his attorney saying the shooting was "violent and inexcusable," and continued by saying:
"I had no right to barge into the lives of my victims, to blame them for my own suffering and the callous choices I made. I had no right to cause the loss of life, pain, terror, confusion, fear, trauma, and financial burden that I caused. I am sorry for the physical scars and for the psychological scars I created, and for the lives and families that I ripped a hole in. It is my intention to live a life of service and amends, to honor those I killed and those I harmed, and to put proof behind my words of remorse. I wish so badly that I could undo all the hurt and terror I put you through. With the deepest remorse, I am forever sorry."
Williams' attorney, Laura Sheppard, says Williams is 'very remorseful' about the shooting and hopes for his release without causing further pain to the victims' families. The 2001 attack, described by then-President Bush as "a disgraceful act of cowardice," involved Williams firing over 30 shots, reloading his gun multiple times.
The case highlights California's shift away from prosecuting juveniles as adults, with new laws allowing for resentencing of juvenile offenders tried in adult court.