Dateline NBC, a long-running newsmagazine, premiered in 1992 and has since been a fixture in investigative journalism and true crime reportage. It tells in-depth accounts about real-life occurrences, including unsolved murders.
One of the most prominent incidents reported was Sandra Galas' terrible death in 2006. As per the Dateline episode, her death resulted in the conviction of her husband, Darren Galas.
Sandra's boys, Austin and Brayden Galas, have chosen to live their private lives away from the media limelight. Despite their father's imprisonment, they have kept a quiet profile, concentrating on their professional and personal lives.
More about the Sandra Galas murder as per the Dateline: The Other Side of Paradise
Sandra Galas, a 27-year-old mother of two, was reported missing in January 2006 after failing to answer her phone or appear at work. Concerned by her lack of response, her father went to her residence and found Sandra's lifeless body in the garage. Her family was devastated, and the close-knit neighborhood was horrified by her abrupt and terrible demise.
Sandra was in the middle of a difficult divorce and custody battle with her estranged husband, Darren Galas. The couple allegedly argued the night before her murder.
As per the Dateline episode, Darren spoke with detectives about the argument but denied any role in her death. Although suspicion surrounded him, there was insufficient evidence to warrant an arrest at the time. For years, the case went unresolved, leaving Sandra's family distraught.
Larry Mendonca, a former Air Force veteran, fought tirelessly for justice. His effort was crucial in keeping the case alive. In 2012, a breakthrough occurred thanks to touch DNA analysis, which presented additional evidence, and then Darren was arrested and charged with Sandra's murder.
Darren pleaded no contest to first-degree assault in 2018. In addition to being compelled to pay more than $13,000 in reparations. There, he received the maximum punishment of 10 years in jail.
The accusation provided some closure. This was even if it wasn't formally classified as murder. As per the Dateline episode, Sandra's family keeps her spirit alive by remembering her through the "Never Forget Sandy G" campaign.
Where is Darren Galas now?
Darren Galas is currently incarcerated for the crime that he committed, and due to insufficient evidence, he avoided a murder trial in 2018. This was done by accepting a plea bargain and pleading no contest to first-degree assault, and then was given a 10-year prison sentence, with an 8.5-year minimum.
His minimum sentence was reduced by six months in March 2022. His current release dates are May 2, 2026, at the earliest and May 1, 2028, at the latest. Since his detention, Darren has largely avoided the public eye and is currently completing his sentence in a Hawaiian jail.