Raul Sanchez Sentenced to 26 Years to Life for Murdering 19-Year-Old Raul Saldana and Injuring 18-Year-Old Alejandro Saucedo in Riverside’s Santa Ana River Bottom!

Rialto Man Sentenced to Life for Fatal Riverside Stabbing

Details of the Deadly Riverside Party Stabbing

According to THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE, Raul Sanchez a 24-year-old from Rialto has been sentenced to 26 years to life in state prison for his role in a deadly attack in Riverside’s Santa Ana River bottom. Sanchez was convicted in February of second-degree murder and attempted murder. The case involved the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Raul Saldana and the severe injury of 18-year-old Alejandro Saucedo. The violent attacks occurred during an off-road vehicle party on February 28, 2021 where Sanchez and his friend Tony assaulted the two victims without any provocation.

The violence began after Sanchez’s girlfriend got into an argument with a young man at the party. Sanchez then confronted the teenager while his friend Tony tried to force the boy into a fight. The situation quickly escalated with Sanchez initially fighting with Saucedo and Tony attacking Saldana. Sanchez used a knife to stab Saldana multiple times and then turned on Saucedo stabbing him several times in the arm. After the attack Sanchez and Tony stole Saldana’s dirt bike and pushed it away from the scene.

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Raul Sanchez Sentenced to 26 Years to Life for Murdering 19-Year-Old Raul Saldana and Injuring 18-Year-Old Alejandro Saucedo in Riverside’s Santa Ana River Bottom! (PHOTO: Yelp)

Community Impact and Closure Following Riverside Stabbing Case

Saldana died from his injuries at Riverside Community Hospital shortly after being rushed there by Saucedo and others. Sanchez was caught after social media posts about a reward for the stolen bike led to his identification. He was arrested in Rialto on March 25, 2021. Despite his claims that alcohol and anger caused his actions Sanchez was sentenced by Judge Matthew Perantoni. This sentencing concludes a tragic case that deeply affected the community.

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