On Monday, January 6, 2025, AM 770 KTTH reported that Seattle Judge Veronica Galván is facing significant criticism following her decision to release a teenager who is now accused of a brutal assault in Everett. The case has raised alarms regarding her approach to handling violent offenders and the implications for community safety.

Millorz J. Canales, a 17-year-old alleged member of the Norteno gang, has been charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and assault for an incident that occurred on December 17, 2024. According to court documents, Canales and an accomplice lured a 14-year-old rival gang member to Lions Park under false pretenses. The victim was reportedly stripped, tied to a tree, and subjected to severe violence, including disembowelment, before managing to escape and seek help from a nearby home.

The Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (SCPAO) detailed the horrific nature of the attack, stating that the victim sustained multiple stab wounds and visible trauma. Surveillance footage captured the incident, which lasted approximately 20 minutes. Police confirmed that the victim immediately identified Canales as the primary attacker, and physical evidence, including a bloody sweatshirt and boxers, was found during his arrest.

Canales had been released from custody just weeks before the alleged assault. He was arrested on November 15, 2024, for an armed robbery linked to gang activity but was released on December 2, 2024, despite objections from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The decision to release him was made by Judge Galván, who has been described as a progressive judge advocating for reform.

At the time of his release, Canales had a history of criminal behavior, including prior convictions for theft and criminal trespass, and had pled guilty to obstruction. He had also violated probation in a previous case and had referrals for robbery in Thurston County from an incident in October 2023.

Critics have pointed to Judge Galván’s pattern of releasing violent offenders, particularly juveniles, as a cause for concern. In previous cases, she has released individuals accused of using untraceable firearms during a carjacking and allowed minors accused of threatening the public with modified firearms to remain free. These decisions have prompted questions about her approach to public safety and the responsibilities of the judiciary.

During a hearing involving three teenagers accused of brandishing modified guns, Judge Galván expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of incarceration, stating, “We’ve detained people for years, years, and crime is still here.” Her comments have drawn criticism from law enforcement and legal experts, who argue that such statements undermine the principle of accountability within the justice system.

Judge Galván has been on the bench since her appointment by Governor Jay Inslee in 2014 and has run unchallenged for re-election. Despite facing backlash over her judicial decisions, she maintains that her approach is nuanced and that critics do not fully understand the complexities of her role.

The release of Canales and the subsequent violent incident have intensified discussions about the responsibilities of judges in balancing the need for reform with the necessity of protecting the community. As the case progresses, community members and legal experts are closely monitoring the situation, particularly regarding the potential implications for juvenile justice in Washington State.

 

 

Source: AM 770 KTTH