Man gets life in prison for botched robbery killing of 18-year-old in Point Loma

Angel Garcia, 23, was found guilty along with a co-defendant for the 2020 shooting death of Eduardo Salguero.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:21pm

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One of two men convicted in the shooting death of an 18-year-old in Point Loma during a botched robbery was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 53 years to life. Angel Garcia, 23, was found guilty along with co-defendant Armando Alvarado, 24, for the Nov. 25, 2020, shooting death of Eduardo Salguero.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the tragic consequences of botched robberies in the San Diego area. It also raises questions about the role of gang activity and the challenges of the criminal justice system in addressing violent crimes.

The details

According to the state appellate panel's ruling, Salguero sought to purchase a ghost gun and drove to meet with the supposed sellers in a parking lot behind the Vons supermarket in a shopping center on Midway Drive. Salguero and his friend arrived in a car, at which point the defendants entered the vehicle and demanded money from the victims at gunpoint. Salguero was shot in the back while behind the wheel of the car, which ended up crashing into a retaining wall. Salguero's friend ran from the scene and was shot at, but wasn't struck. Cellphone evidence related to the gun sale, DNA evidence on items found in Salguero's car and statements made during an undercover jail operation tied the defendants to the killing, according to the appellate court ruling.

  • On November 25, 2020, the shooting incident occurred in a parking lot in Point Loma.
  • In 2023, Angel Garcia and Armando Alvarado were previously convicted and sentenced to life without parole for Salguero's killing, but an appeals court overturned their convictions.
  • On April 15, 2026, Angel Garcia was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus 53 years to life.

The players

Angel Garcia

A 23-year-old man who was found guilty along with a co-defendant for the 2020 shooting death of Eduardo Salguero.

Armando Alvarado

A 24-year-old man who was found guilty along with Angel Garcia for the 2020 shooting death of Eduardo Salguero.

Eduardo Salguero

An 18-year-old who was shot and killed during a botched robbery in Point Loma in 2020.

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What’s next

Armando Alvarado is scheduled to be sentenced next month for his role in the killing of Eduardo Salguero.

The takeaway

The sentencing of Angel Garcia to life in prison without parole underscores the severity of the crime and the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and the root causes of such incidents in the San Diego community.