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Gary Today
By the People, for the People
Hammond Man Sentenced in Getaway Driver Role for Gary Pawn Shop Owner's Death
Charles Garcia-Berrios received a 6-year split term for assisting a criminal and cocaine possession related to the 2024 killing of Brandon Cruz.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A 33-year-old Hammond man, Charles Garcia-Berrios, was sentenced to a six-year split term on Tuesday for his role as the getaway driver in the 2024 killing of Gary pawn shop owner Brandon Cruz. Garcia-Berrios pleaded guilty in November to assisting a criminal and cocaine possession in a separate case. He will serve four years in prison and another two on probation, after which he is expected to return to federal prison for violating his probation from a previous gang-related case.
Why it matters
The sentencing highlights the ongoing challenges of gang violence and recidivism in the Gary and Hammond communities, as well as the complexities of determining culpability for crimes involving multiple parties. Garcia-Berrios' troubled upbringing, with family members involved in gangs, also underscores the broader societal factors that can contribute to criminal behavior.
The details
According to court filings, on November 17, 2024, Gary Police responded to a call at the We Buy Gold pawn shop, where they found Cruz, 50, shot in the back of the head. Authorities suspected it was a potential robbery. Garcia-Berrios' co-defendant, Derek Sanders, was later sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to Cruz's murder. While Garcia-Berrios denied knowing Cruz was likely dead when he drove Sanders away, prosecutors argued that cellphone evidence showed Garcia-Berrios had been casing the pawn shop in the days and weeks before the killing.
- On November 17, 2024, Gary Police responded to a call at the We Buy Gold pawn shop, where they found Brandon Cruz shot in the back of the head.
- In June 2026, Derek Sanders was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to Cruz's murder.
- In November 2024, Charles Garcia-Berrios pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal and cocaine possession in a separate case.
- On February 24, 2026, Garcia-Berrios was sentenced to a six-year split term, with four years in prison and two years on probation.
The players
Charles Garcia-Berrios
A 33-year-old Hammond man who was sentenced to a six-year split term as the getaway driver in the 2024 killing of Gary pawn shop owner Brandon Cruz.
Derek Sanders
Garcia-Berrios' co-defendant, who was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to Cruz's murder.
Brandon Cruz
The 50-year-old Gary pawn shop owner who was shot and killed in November 2024.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
