At that time Mendonca took the news crew to the grave of his daughter . Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News - Hawaii Renovation (LogOut/ Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews Furthermore he was NOT found guilty for assult. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, He claims Darren has brainwashed them to hate both their mother and her family. Why make a killers life easier? By participating in online discussions you All I can say. Larry Mendonca | MILITARY JUSTICE FOR ALL Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Luckily, in 2012, Chief Perry reassigned the case to a new investigator, who soon unearthed the most crucial evidence. Leave condolences in the Guest Book, send sympathy flowers, and pay respect to your loved one. Lawrence Larry Mendonca was of Portuguese origins and served in the Air Force for 22 years, while his wife, Toshie, was Japanese. In a statement to the court, Darren Galas thanked the people who supported him, his family and the Mendoncas. For years, Sandra's estranged husband Darren Galas was the . Sadly, since the victim and her estranged husband were still legally married when she died, the evidence was not enough to indict the suspect. And, who wouldve thought that the tournament would last as long as it has.. This wasnt justice this was I GOT AWAY WITH MURDER I am going to let everyone know about this case and we will boycott Kauai! Now in their 80s, Larry and Toshie lead a quiet life and continue giving back to the community in small ways. The judge and DA should be thankful Sandras father has not taken vengeance. In January 2018, twelve years after the murder, Darren Galas entered a no contest plea in court for a charge of first degree assault, a class B felony. All rights reserved. Find Larry Mendonca obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com What a complete slap in the face for Sandys family. -KHON2 News (2018), Related Links: Hopefully there will be no chance of parole for him! Too much Shibai on Kauai. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Monday, May 1, 2023 | Darren Galas, who walked out of the courthouse surrounded by family, declined to comment. Scrubs!> The feds need to do a thorough investigation intoOPA and KPD!!!! Right?! Gov. How do you tell a woman that the baby shed once nursed had been found dead, that the infant who had clung to her bosom, fallen asleep in her arms, played on her legs, skipped off to school, clutching the lunch she had made for her, was now dead, he told the court. Larry and Toshie Mendonca, Sandra's parents, along with Lawrence, started the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation, raising money for the island's YWCA to help domestic violence survivors and raise awareness, according to Midweek Kauai . -KHON2 News (2018), Kauai man Darren Galas has been sentenced in connection with his wifes 2006 murder. A convicted rapist killed Lauren Kagawa and only got set up for a DUI. She was a loving mother. The delay in justice angered Larry for the next six years, as he was adamant about seeing the investigation through to the end. Who Are Larry and Toshie Mendonca? Larry and Toshie Mendonca, Sandra's parents, along with Lawrence, started the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation, raising money for the island's YWCA to help domestic violence survivors and raise awareness,according toMidweek Kauai. Only evidence and motive had was TRO and him stalking her, if every man is guiltily for doing that, then all men should all go jail too. The golf tournament originally served two purposes: To help victims and survivors, and to keep Sandra's case alive in the public mind. Incorrect information was published in an obituary Wednesday. But well do whatever we can to move on, he said. The detective dug intothe case from the beginning and unearthed letters from Sandra to her divorce attorney that indicated she was frightened of Darren. This is what she was living under, your honor. Parts of Darren's story didn't add up, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder while investigators searched his home. Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai Who did he pay off or whatever? She will never get to see and attend any of her children graduation. This idiot clearly killed his wife. He should consider himself damn lucky to only get 10 years, he said. We got life.. And its also the birthday of Sandy Galas grandmother, who was born in 1915. Larry was a dedicated servant of the Lord, a former pastor of Calvary Independent Church in Wahiawa - as well as of several other churches, a 6th grade teacher at Hanalani Schools in Mililani, a father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and husband to . Justice didnt get served- it got played. Now he only is serving 10 years. He was smoking weed in KCCC and that allowed him to stay even longer. After Darren's sentencing, however, the event continued, traditionally earning between $12,000 and $15,000 for the YWCA, according to theGarden Island. And last Christmas and like 9 Christmases before that. The way they reacted and what they do is ridiculous, he said. For Sandras big brother, Lawrence Mendonca Jr., one of the most difficult realizations about his sisters death is realizing that the many good memories he has of her are smudged with sadness. Sandra and Darren had recently separatedafter Sandra found out that Darren was cheating. All rights reserved. Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise. Saw Dateline and was disgusted by how this guy got to raise his children after he strangled their mother. This guy went church, but started only last year. . Kollar youre a clown along with the rest of these donkeys!!! He was born in Hilo. acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Look it up in the dictionary a no contest plea does not mean guilty it means a no contest plea is used in a criminal proceeding when as an alternate to a guilty or not guilty plea whereby the defendant neither disputed nor admits to the crime. Check the dictionary. Your email address will not be published. The evidencewas enough for an indictment, but Darren was still free on bail for five more years while prosecutors put their case together. Monday, May 1, 2023 | Air Force retiree Larry Mendonca's daughter Sandra was found strangled to death in her car in the garage of her home on January 25, 2006 in 'Ele'ele, Hawaii. Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman In January of this year, 12 years after the murder, Galasentered a no contest plea in courtto a charge of first degreeassault a class B felony. For real tho, if you want to get away with murder, come Kauai. Strangling someone takes several minutes I would think this guy did not have a bell that went off that said STOP. But despite his frail condition, Larry constantly hoped that Sandras killer would be soon brought to justice. Dateline first came upon the story of Larry Mendonca and his daughter while on another Dateline assignment back in 2009. He was a man committed to his family and was someone who had always shown them unconditional love, Green said. WA ferry fares increase for peak season | The Seattle Times This is a violent predators paradise. She wasnt given consideration in any right. If you would like to send memorial donations in Larry's honor, please consider instead donating your time to those in need at nursing homes. Her estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. Its bull. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Larry David Mendonca of Manteca, California, born in Hughson, California, who passed away on January 15, 2021, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case Everett Arthur Crumb Jr., 80, of Hilo died March 4 at home. Dictionaries may provide definitions, but that means very little when legal system gives us the law, not justice. We still ask for the end of April, Winn said. Jay Inslee will not run for a fourth term, he announced Monday. Theres one good thing thats going to come out of this case and that is this guy is going to meet his maker one day and guess what hes going to have to pay.!! A group from the YWCA of Kauai hosts a sign waving vigil, Wednesday morning outside the Puuhonua Kaulike Building where the sentencing for Darren Galas took place. He and Toshie reside in Kauai, where they run the Never Forget Sandy G Foundation with their son. The program titled 'The Other Side of Paradise'will air at 9:00 p.m. on KHNL. Eventually, in 2008, the detectives found Darrens DNA on the clothes Sandra was found in, and Larry and Toshie hoped for a breakthrough. His guilt is not even in question. Dateline is airing a story on June 15th that should shed light on things. Arrest made in cold case murder of Sandra Galas DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise Maria De La Luz Rivera Quintana, 96, of Midland, TX, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at her residence. These boys are standing behind their father from what Ive read at other sites. Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer Justice At Last for Sandy G? Obituaries | Big Island Now Obituaries for February 20 Bethany Freudenthal / The Garden Island Larry Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, receives a hug from a friend after court on Monday. Friday at Hilo Hawaii State Center, Cultural Hall, 1373 Kilauea Ave. All rights reserved. The Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament has grown to become a major fundraising event benefiting the YWCA of Kauai, and the torch bearer of the YWCA of Kauai campaign to eliminate domestic violence, everywhere. About 100 people attended the emotional sentencing, marked by tears, with some viewing the proceedings in an overflow courtroom. Copyright 2023 TheGardenIsland.com. Obituaries for March 26. Murder charge reduced He claims Darren has brainwashed them to hate both their mother and her family. By The Garden Island | Wednesday, May 30, 2018, 2:11 p.m. Share this story. In 2012, Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry set a new investigator on the case. Lawrence Mendonca and Lawrence Mendonca, Sandra Mendonca Galas father and brother, respectively, roll out for a shotgun start Sunday at the Never Forget Sandy G golf tournament benefiting the YWCA of Kauai at the Hokuala Ocean Course in Lihue. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Nanakuli Door of Faith Church, 89-142 Haleakala Ave. The judge accepted his plea and he was found guilty. Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case Now he going fool the parole board. CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM. We have an autographed Joe Montana helmet that people can bid on, Hamilton-Cambeilh said. Come to Kauai, if you want to commit a crime, because chances are youll get away with it.. READ MORE Posted in Death Notices On Jan. 25, 2006,Sandra Galas was found strangled in the garage of her 'Ele'ele home. Obituary Larry Mendonca November 27, 1944 - January 15, 2021 Manteca, California - Larry David Mendonca, a resident of Manteca, passed away in Stockton, CA, on Friday, January 15, 2021.. Larry Price leaves behind popular radio show, legacy of good deeds I have never seen or heard of a no contest defense used in a case where the defendant was not guilty. Its sad when Larry had to work diligently to investigate his daughters murder. I watched Dateline regarding this story. Lawrence Mendonca Jr. drops his head in aguish, Toshi and Lawrence Mendonca, and Dennis Cabral of California react to Darren Galas' sentence being meted out, Wednesday at the Pu'uhonua Kaulike. Greens said his client was indicted on the eve of a general election. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. Inslee, a Democrat elected in 2012, previously said . Seattle Times political reporter. And when some of the women do stand up and try to pull away the perps it can esculate into murder like this case. In January 2018, twelve years after the murder, Darren Galas entered a no contest plea in court for a charge of first degree assault, a class B felony. The KSSK staff gathered around Larry Price to say . Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. November 27, 1944 - October 3, 2022 (84 years old) View obituary. By participating in online discussions you -KITV (2012), The body of Sandra Galas was found in her garage in Eleele on Jan. 25, 2006. A judge cannot send someone to prison unless they are proved guilty. in memory of Larry Wade McClendon, please visit our floral store. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, Tough opening quarter for home sales on Kauai, Hawaii Legislature slashes nearly all funding for proposed clean elections program, Waimea top seed in state softball tourney. Our detectives and the prosecutor have shown their utter incompetence. Murder charge reduced - The Garden Island You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Larry Wade McClendon, 2023 Marianna Chapel Funeral Home. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. All Rights Reserved. Kauai man sentenced for wifes death In May 2018, Darren was sentenced to the maximum of 10 years in prison. By participating in online discussions you Assault 1st..Justin and OPA really have faith in their abilities to go to trial. Lawrence "Larry" Mendonca was of Portuguese origins and served in the Air Force for 22 years, while his wife, Toshie, was Japanese. Maybe try reading about the case before making ignorant remarks like if hes guilty. Vehicle fares for May 1 to Sept. 23 are available online at wsdot.wa.gov . During the hearing, defense attorney Michael Green asked Watanabe if she could schedule Darren Galas sentencing to the end of May because there were three graduations he wanted to attend. Rarely do we get away and win. No one can outrun the wrath of God.. As women, we are told to leave our abusers, take the children, report them, file restraining order. Who wouldve thought that this small tournament we started in memory of Sandy G 13 years ago would grow to where it is, Mendonca said. Wade was a lifelong resident of Jackson County, FL, and was a graduate of Grand Ridge High School in 1992. Your honor, thats how domestic violence works power and control, Kollar said. Arrest made in cold case murder of Sandra Galas At her grave site, I made a vow that I wouldnt end this until justice was served, Mendoca said. Sandra Galas was found strangled to death in her garage in 2006,and police soon zeroed in on two suspects. He was then arrested, charged and held on $1 millionbail. Messages run for up to one year and you The law needs to change from reasonable doubt to common sense! I DONT THINK SO. We also had the murderer Hilario chilling at KCCC for years after being found guilty of murder in the first degree before being sent to a real prison. Larry Wade McClendon, age 47, of Round Lake, Fl., passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at his residence. Thank you. Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death Obituary Headlines, View current celebrity deaths on Legacy.com From Dec. 4, 2020 onward, our daily celebrity news obituaries can be found at Legacy.com. She additionally mentioned how her estranged husband had been allegedly harassing her. Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com. Never Forget Sandi G. Everything is common sense, no one knows what happened only 3 people Sandy, Darren and God our king of kings. Assault in the second degree is rubbish, everyone knows what he did. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. In other words, United States Citizens do not receive justice in the way our founding fathers envisioned. The case against Darren Galas was prosecuted five years ago, Mendonca said, but the defense has been delaying since then. They protected the Kauai Serial Killer who everyone know who he is. Private services held. L Love, your California Ohana May 4, 2021 Dearest Carole,Kim, Kendelle and Family, Lawrence will remain in our hearts forever! Unfortunately, due to parental alienation, Sandras father Larry has no relationship with her two children. The fight for justice in the slaying of Eleele woman Sandra Galas has been a long one, her father Larry Mendonca said. Because of a selfish act for Galas to end her life. Lawrence Mendonca Jr. drops his head in aguish, Toshi and Lawrence Mendonca, and Dennis Cabral of California react to Darren Galas sentence being meted out, Wednesday at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Also the information in the article is incorrect as that the change of plea was NOT from guilty to no contest his original plea was NOT guilty and was changed to no contest. The case went unsolved for years and if not for the efforts of her father Larry, the case may never have been solved. Sandra Galas case, memory live on Today's Paper Read More: Where Are Sandra Galas Sons Now? An insightful In March 2018, Galas was sentenced to a ten year open prison term for his connection to the crime, the maximum that could be imposed. Moreover, Larry and Toshie wished to get custody of their grandsons and raise them, but it was eventually granted to Darren. Keith Morrison follows a cold case for nearly 10 years, as a father in Hawaii fights to bring his daughter's killer to justice despite one setback after another. The case went cold again, but the Mendoncas and Chief Perry refused to give up hope. "She won't be forgotten as long as I'm alive," Mendonca said as hepromised to bring her killer to justice. Visitation 9-11 a.m. Saturday (April 1) at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Tears for you. Find Larry Mendonca obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com. No weapon or cord found that was used to straggle her, No blood, no DNA. The day of reckoning is finally at hand for this defendant, he said. Today's Paper Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Larry David Mendonca to pay them a last tribute. Larry retired after a few years, and the family moved to Kauai, Hawaii, where they created an idyllic life on a sprawling ranch in Anahola. Monday, May 1, 2023 | I think was only because he wanted to get the pastors to write letters for him. sad. Remember this next election for prosecutor, Kollar should be ashamed of himself. Darren Galas, 40 of Kalaheo was arrested for the 2006 murder of his estranged wife, Sandra Galas. It is my hope that they will have a relationship with their Grandparents. Air Force retiree Larry Mendoncas daughter Sandra was found strangled to death in her carin the garage of her home on January 25, 2006 in Eleele,Hawaii. Sections; Print Replica; Search . During this time, he met veteran police officer Darryl Perry and shared Sandras story. Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman Whats the problem Judge Watanabe? Tyler had a smile that could light up a room and wouldn't hesitate to help out anyone in need. When she returned, she fell in love with Darren Galas, a charming highway construction worker. Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy Galas killed his wife and admitted to to several people yet gets a plea deal!?!! Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and was an avid New York Rangers, Yankees and Jets fan. Had Prosecutor Kollar done his job and pursued the case against Darren, he would be charged with murder. He is survived by : his wife Velma Mendonca; his brother Anthony Mendonca; and his children, Roxanne Azevedo (John), Renee Costello (Patrick) and Kevin Mendonca (Misty). She feared that no matter what, Darren Galas would always be harassing her. -KHON2 News (2012), A 2006 Kauai case has new witnesses and interviews. Recent Deaths in Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser An insightful Honolulu Advertiser & Star-Bulletin Obituaries January 1 - December 31, 1996 K . Darren Galas, framed by a sheriff, reacts to remarks being delivered by Lawrence Galas, Jr., Wednesday morning during the sentencing at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. People hide it, Kollar said. There was no hard core evidence against Darren. Though he said a lot of the public is dissatisfied with the charge of assault one, Larry Mendonca said the plea was an acceptable alternative. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. LIHUE, KAUAI (HawaiiNewsNow) - More than six years after 27-year-old Sandra Mendonca Galas was brutally strangled in her 'Ele'ele home, the Kauai Police Department has used new forensic. He was born on June 14, 1975 to Donald Wayne Beasley and Sarah Jane McClendon. That day, he said, his family was given a life sentence full of pain, sorrow, agony and frustration, a life sentence with no parole. Larry and Toshie Mendonca: Where Are Sandra Galas' Parents Now? Dont forget this case was charged by his predecessor in Oct 2012 in an attempt to sway the 2012 election (it didnt work) which apparently caused some structural issues with the case. Sounds like Galas has used those years to fool everyone, including Sandys own children, into believing that he is not a monster. 3 Trees, Flowers, or Condolences have been shared with support of Larry's family -. Theyre the only ones right now who have suffered a big loss, he said. In March 2018, Galas was sentenced to a ten year open prison term for his connection to the crime, the maximum that could be imposed. The real tragedy here are the kids that were raised in this warped reality of their mothers killer being their only parent, and how they navigate life going forward knowing their dad is not whom he said he was all of these years. D.V. Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation For more on the Sandra Galas case, watch In Ice Cold Blood atOxygen.comand airingThursdays at 9/8c. Its just words, Mendonca said. After he wasreleased, however, he told investigators aboutDarrens violent behaviorhe witnessed. In 2007, Mendonca partnered with the YWCA Kauai and Dennis (Mendonca's cousin) and Susan Cabral, to begin hosting the annual Never Forget Sandy G Golf Tournament. End of story! In a statement to the court, Darren Galas said he was changing his plea to no contest because he realizes how much anguish this has caused his family. Larry Price leaves behind popular radio show, legacy of good deeds. Albeit, troubles were far from over for the Mendoncas, as in March 2022, Darrens minimum term was reduced by six months. No justice for victims. Michael Green, Darren Galas lawyer, wraps up his paperwork, Wednesday while sheriffs escort Galas out of the courtroom following his sentencing at the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Would you like to offer Larry David Mendoncas loved ones a condolence message? She was the nicest person and everyone liked her personality and work ethic. Mr Mendonca is satisfied because he and his family have waited YEARS for any sort of justice, at this point, a tiny fraction of justice is better than nothing. Sandra Galas' Father Bonded With Kauai Police Chief Over Investigation. (76 years old). For years, Sandras estranged husband Darren Galas was the prime suspect. Yes, its my birthday, May said. Lawrence Mendonca Jr. and Lawrence Mendonca console each other, Wednesday following the sentencing of Darren Galas in the Puuhonua Kaulike Building courtroom. Darren Galas has since remarried. The key piece of evidence arrived in the form of a calendar Darren kept, including meticulous notes on every time Sandra upset him, including being late picking up the boys. January 15, 2021 document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Father wont give up hunt for daughters killer, Grand jury indicts Kauai man in cold case murder of wife, Police make arrest in cold case murder investigation, Police make cold case arrest in 2006 murder of Kauai woman, Kauai police arrest man for wifes 2006 murder, Kauai man arrested in wifes cold case murder, Arrest made in cold case murder of Sandra Galas, Kauai man arrested in 2006 cold case murder, Estranged husband pleads no contest in connection with wifes 2006 death, Husband pleads no contest to wifes murder on Kauai, Husband Pleads No Contest to Wifes Murder on Kauai, Kauai man sentence in connection with strangling death of his wife, Galas sentenced to 10-year open prison term, Kauai man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death, Hawaii man sentenced in connection to wifes 2006 death, Sandra Mendonca Galas remembered as beautiful woman full of joy, Dateline NBC to feature Kauai murder case, Scoop: Coming Up on DATELINE on NBC Today, June 15, 2018, Keith Morrison Previews: The Other Side of Paradise, DATELINE FRIDAY PREVIEW: The Other Side of Paradise, DATELINE FRIDAY SNEAK PEEK: The Other Side of Paradise, Old Kauai case has new witnesses, interviews, Dateline Episode Trailer: The Other Side of Paradise.