May 26, 2005


Murder trial begins next week in stabbing death of former Leland student Troy Pollett

By Sheila Sanchez
Staff Writer

The murder trial in the case against Anthony John Sanchez, accused of fatally stabbing former Leland High School student Troy Pollett March 20, 2004, is set to begin Tuesday, May 31.

San Jose Police spokesman Enrique Garcia, who worked the case as a homicide detective last year, said he couldn’t comment much on the case.

“A jury will determine his guilt or innocence,” Garcia said

A criminal grand jury proceeding, instead of a preliminary hearing, determined Aug. 10, 2004, that Sanchez, 22, should answer to the charges of allegedly stabbing 18-year-old Pollett following a car chase that ended with a violent fight.

Deputy District Attorney Cameron Bowman said after a three-day period in which the grand jury heard from witnesses in closed hearings the case was determined to go to trial because the jury made a decision that there was probable cause that a crime had been committed. After the finding, Sanchez was indicted on one count of murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Bowman said the case is on the trial calendar for the Tuesday after Memorial Day. He said once the date is set, time is spent looking for an available judge to try the case, with actual proceedings taking place a week or two after May 31.

“It will be a jury trial,” Bowman said, explaining that a couple of days will also be spent filing motions and selecting a jury with opening statements and the presentation of evidence following those proceedings.

The prosecution argues that Sanchez stabbed Pollett following a car chase and a physical altercation that began on Bailey Road and ended on Sleepy Creek Way. Pollett’s friend, Kris Johnson, was stabbed in the abdomen, but survived. Amir Mohboobi, a third passenger, was unharmed.

“We believe that legally what he did clearly does not constitute self-defense,” Bowman said. “That’s why we’re proceeding with the case.”

Sanchez was arrested March 21, 2004, at his home on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Sporting a black eye, Sanchez claimed the attack was self-defense.

On March 24, 2004, Sanchez was formally charged with Pollett’s murder and assault with a deadly weapon on Johnson.

Original court documents regarding the case were sealed.

Almaden resident Steven Pollett, Troy’s father, declined comment on the upcoming murder trial this week, but said he was aware that the case had been set on the court calendar.

Sanchez’s attorney, Kenneth Mandel, of the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office, did not return phone calls by press time.