Judge Delays Hearing for ABC10 Shooting Suspect
The preliminary hearing was removed from the calendar as attorneys pursue a potential plea agreement.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A judge has removed the preliminary hearing for Anibal Hernandez Santana from the court calendar to allow time for plea negotiations. Hernandez Santana is accused of firing a gun at the ABC10 television studios in Upper Land Park.
Why it matters
The scheduling change allows defense and prosecution teams to seek a resolution outside of a trial. This development follows Hernandez Santana pleading not guilty to various state and federal charges stemming from the September 2025 incident.
Hernandez Santana remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail where he has been held since September 20, 2025. He faces charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm and firing a 9mm handgun in a school zone.
The players
Anibal Hernandez Santana
The 65-year-old defendant stands accused of multiple state and federal counts related to shootings in Sacramento.
Sacramento County District Attorney's Office
This local agency is responsible for the prosecution of state-level criminal charges against the defendant.
The details
The defendant is accused of firing at an inhabited building at 2555 Third Street and the ABC10 studios during the September 2025 attacks. He is currently facing both state charges for assault and federal charges related to radio signal interference.
Timeline
September 18, 2025: Alleged shooting occurred at 2555 Third Street.
September 19, 2025: Shooting reported at the ABC10 television studios.
September 20, 2025: Hernandez Santana was taken into custody.
October 29, 2026: The court removed the preliminary hearing from the calendar.
December 9, 2026: Hernandez Santana is scheduled to return to court.
Legal Context
The court's decision to delay the hearing to accommodate plea negotiations highlights how defendants may waive their Sixth Amendment's right to a speedy trial to facilitate legal resolution. This practice is common in complex cases involving both state and federal jurisdictions.
The legal proceedings are centered on violent acts that impacted a local media institution and a private residence. Residents should remain aware that court schedules for this case may continue to shift as the legal process moves toward a resolution.
The takeaway
Plea negotiations frequently serve as a mechanism to avoid the uncertainties of trial for both the state and the defendant. Observers should monitor the December court date for indications of whether a plea deal has been finalized.
What happens next
Hernandez Santana is scheduled to return to court on December 9, 2026, for an update on his plea negotiations.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the region, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
