The Capitol dome in Sacramento, seat of California's state government. Adobe Stock image

A group of crime victims, lawmakers and law enforcement officials will hold a news conference Tuesday at the Capitol in Sacramento to advocate for changes to California’s juvenile justice system after the 2025 killing of a Central Valley teenager.

The news conference, which will be held at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Rotunda, will include Julia Sanchez, whose 17-year-old son, Lorenso  Sanchez was fatally stabbed in April 2025 outside of the Hanford Mall. 

Sanchez is expected to be joined by Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo (R-Tulare), Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), co-author of AB 2040, Chief Esa Ehmen-Krause, president of the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper in support of Assembly Bill 2040. 

They will also be joined by families of victims caused by violent crimes committed by juveniles.

The bill would lower the legal standard prosecutors must meet when looking to transfer a minor to adult court, which would make it easier for judges to approve these types of motions.

Supporters of the bill say that the change would hold violent offenders more accountable and better protect public safety. 

A live stream of the conference will be available on the California Assembly Republicans YouTube channel. 

Following the press conference, participants plan to attend a hearing of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, where the bill will be considered.