Orange County Teen Arrested for Murdering Parents

Bradford and Andrea Sachs were found shot to death on February 9^th, 2014, but authorities are confident that there is only one real suspect in their murder investigation: the victims' son. The murder site was in San Juan Capistrano and on February 9^th, Bradford, Andra, and their 8-year-old son were there to suffer multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds, while their 17-year-old daughter was able to escape after being fired upon. Although the children narrowly escaped with their lives, their two parents were not so lucky. They both succumbed to their injuries, leaving their 8-year-old son, 17-year-old daughter, and 19-year-old son behind.

The loss of their family, whom neighbors reportedly called "the best family", is tragic to say the least, but the implications that their oldest son, 19-year-old Ashton Colby Sachs, was responsible is difficult to believe. The weapon authorities say was used in the murders has been recovered, and handling prosecutors are confident that Ashton was the one responsible for using it.

Local police believe that Ashton shot both of his parents while they were sleeping, shot his brother, and then fired upon his sister who was unharmed. He is then believed to have returned to Seattle where he was attending college.

Handling investigators admit that there was very little evidence to go on initially and that they had several possible suspects. A short time after the murders, a lead materialized bringing them to Ashton Sachs. A lead could have been new evidence found by the police department, new information from a snitch or police informant, or an anonymous tip.

The Orange County police department has yet to disclose any possible motive, but the possibility of financial motivation may become a factor later on. The Sachs family lived in a multimillion dollar home.

At this point, Ashton has been formally charged with the murder of both his mother and father and faces a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. As capital punishment is legal in the state of California, he may also face the death penalty for his alleged crimes.

Those facing these types of charges are encouraged to contact our Orange County murder defense lawyers for a free case evaluation to help determine the flaws in your prosecutor's case. Obtaining a skilled lawyer to represent you in a murder trial can have a substantial impact on your case. Call (888) 250-2865 today to receive your evaluation with no obligation to retain our services.