Petion for Justice: Gabriel Santiago's Sentencing

Dear Honorable Judge O’Shea,  We, the undersigned citizens of Pueblo & other parts of Colorado, urge the Court to recognize the extreme and imminent danger Gabriel Santiago faced when he acted in self-defense to protect his sister, Alexandra, from a violent abuser.  For years, Dominic Adams terrorized Alexandra and Gabriel Santiago—kidnapping, assaulting, and repeatedly threatening their lives. After the Court granted Alexandra a restraining order, Adams was released on bail. Despite the order and law enforcement’s efforts, Adams continued to escalate his violent threats, making it clear he intended to harm those who were trying to escape his control.  On April 7, 2024, Gabriel learned he was going to be a father. Overwhelmed with the instinct to protect his pregnant sister as well, he faced an impossible situation. That evening, Adams parked outside Gabriel’s home, sending direct threats via text messages and attempting to intimidate the women and children inside. Fearing for their safety, Gabriel acted to protect them. His actions were not criminal—they were a response to a system that failed to stop a known predator.  Gabriel did not fully understand that he needed a concealed carry permit to protect his family. He acted on instinct, not out of malice.  Another pressing concern is the undertrained and misinformed medical staff inside Pueblo County facilities, who have neglected to implement the accommodations outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Gabriel has suffered from autism and a brain injury since age seven, yet he has been repeatedly neglected, mistreated, and denied necessary medications and safe accommodations—both in public schools and in detention.  Rather than continued incarceration, we urge the Court to consider a suspended sentence and support the development of a structured behavioral health care plan for Gabriel. We believe he has the potential to heal, learn, and become a productive member of society if given the right support.  This case is bigger than Gabriel—it highlights a systemic failure to protect victims of domestic violence and to recognize the behavioral health factors that contributed to this tragic event. Given these circumstances, we implore the Court to grant him justice, not further punishment.  Justice for Gabriel is justice for all survivors of abuse and a call for systemic reform in how Pueblo identifies and supports the autistic community.  Right now, Gabriel has the support of many citizens of Colorado who believe in investing in his future. We want to repair the damage caused by a broken system and support Gabriel for the bravery he showed in saving his family from a violent repeat offender.  Will you consider allowing him to return home to the family he fought to protect?  Respectfully,