News Release
For Immediate Release
Man Convicted of Attempting to Kill Ex-Wife and 2 Children
Pipe Bomb Planted Under Victim’s SUV
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA – A Victorville man was found guilty in San Bernardino County Superior Court Friday of three counts of attempted murder and various explosives-related charges.
Steven J. Sunny, 33, was found guilty after the jury deliberated for two hours following the trial. Sunny was found guilty of eight felony charges: three counts of attempted murder, three counts of intent to commit murder with a destructive device, reckless or malicious possession of destructive device, and possession of materials to make a bomb.
On Nov. 11, 2013, Sunny attempted to murder his ex-wife and two children by placing a pipe bomb under her vehicle in a Redlands’ shopping center. The ex-wife noticed the device and called law enforcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives (ATF), San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBCSD) and Redlands Police Department (RPD) worked the complex investigation. Throughout the trial an ATF digital forensic examiner, a forensic chemist, a certified explosives specialist, and the chief of the explosives enforcement branch all testified providing evidence Sunny had plotted the murder schemes and constructed the radio controlled improvised explosives device (IED).
"ATF works with it state and local partners responding to every possible type of explosives scenario bringing its unique explosives expertise to these investigations," said ATF Los Angeles Field Division Special Agent in Charge Carlos A. Canino. "We will continue to bring our resources and expertise to help solve these violent crimes while working side-by-side with our partners."
"We are always pleased to cooperate with our federal partners at the ATF, along with the Redlands Police Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department," said San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson. "Their professionalism, combined with Supervising Deputy District Attorney Melissa Rodriguez’s skill and expertise in trial, insured justice in this case for our community."
"This case highlights the outstanding work of our staff and the importance of the valuable assistance of our partners in the ATF and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department," said Redlands Police Chief Chris Catren. "I’m thrilled to see the hard work pay off for all our agencies and its positive impact on the safety of the victims in this case and the community at-large."
"Working closely with our law enforcement partners and sharing our knowledge, like that of the specialized Bomb/Arson investigators, is key to keeping these dangerous criminals locked up for many years," said SBCSD Sheriff-Coroner John McMahon.
Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10. The three counts of attempted murder are punishable by up to life in state prison, and the three counts of intent to commit murder with a destructive device are punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for life with the possibility of parole.
This case was prosecuted by the San Bernardino District’s Attorney’s Office and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Melissa Rodriguez. For more information, follow ATF LAFD on Twitter @LosAngelesATF.
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