Watch CBS News

Victim's Family Sues Schwarzenegger Over Clemency

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS13/AP) -- The parents of a murdered college student say former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger "messed with the wrong family" in issuing an 11th-hour clemency for the son of a political ally.

   Fred and Kathy Santos filed a lawsuit Thursday in Sacramento County Superior Court asking the court to restore a 16-year sentence for Esteban Nunez, the son of former state Assembly speaker Fabian Nunez.

"Justice must be restored and the law must be followed by everyone, including the governor of the State of California," said Fred Santos.

   Schwarzenegger lowered the sentence to seven years the night before he left office and did not contact the family or the San Diego County District Attorney's office beforehand.

   Esteban Nunez, who is 21, pleaded guilty for his involvement in the stabbing death of 22-year-old Luis Santos on the San Diego State University campus in 2008.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.