District Attorney Bob Lee honors Gerardo "Gerry" Sanchez at Victims Crime Week Event

Gerardo "Gerry" Sanchez was awarded a "Special Courage Award" by the Santa Cruz District Attorney's office on Tuesday April 27th in recognition of his courage. 

Gerry Sanchez was the victim of a gang motivated drive-by shooting on Highway 1. He and a friend were both shot by an AK-47 because their friend was wearing a red shirt.

At first, Gerry's family was told he would likely die. He lived, but he was in a deep coma for weeks. When he finally awoke he couldn't walk or talk. It took months of therapy to help him walk with assistance and communicate the best he can despite the devastating brain injury he has suffered.

He and his family showed great courage by insisting that Gerry would be well enough to come to court, face the gang shooters, and testify in a competent way. Although he is in constant pain and frustrated by his brain injury, he also attended the Closing Argument and the Sentencing when he made a very moving "victim impact" statement to the court.

Gerry continues his weekly rehabilitation to re-learn how to read and write and speak. He and his family showed incredible courage and perseverance in making sure he did his best to help convict the dangerous gang-member that shot him for no reason other than the color of a shirt.

- Thank you Gerry Sanchez