A 46-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Friday for the murder of his lover’s husband in Westminster. The motive behind the murder was so that the couple could be together and benefit from the victim’s assets.
Robert Rafael Saavedra Gallardo was found guilty on July 25 of murder with a special-circumstance allegation for financial gain. The jury reached a verdict after just 90 minutes of deliberation.
His co-defendant, Olga Vasquez-Collazos, was convicted two years ago and received a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. However, the jury in her case did not accept the special circumstance allegation.
Gallardo was convicted of killing 58-year-old Adrian Zapata, whose body was discovered in his apartment on Brookhurst Street on May 22, 2014.
During the sentencing hearing, Zapata’s son Renzo described Gallardo as a heartless “monster” who showed no remorse for taking his father’s life. He stated that Gallardo’s actions were cowardly.
Zapata’s sister, Kathy Dierking, expressed her gratitude that justice was served, allowing her brother to finally rest in peace. She emphasized how much her brother meant to their family and how his absence has impacted their lives.
The court heard that Gallardo and Vasquez-Collazos met in Peru and had a romantic relationship. However, Vasquez-Collazos eventually married Zapata, whom she met while he was on vacation in Peru. Zapata married Vasquez-Collazos in 2011 after immigrating to the United States and becoming a citizen.
Zapata arranged for his wife and her two sons to move in with him in Westminster. Prior to this, Vasquez-Collazos lived in Zapata’s condo in Peru and was involved in an affair with Gallardo.
In 2014, Vasquez-Collazos was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent surgery. Gallardo flew to the United States and stayed in a hotel near the medical center where Vasquez-Collazos was being treated.
According to the Senior Deputy District Attorney, the only obstacle for Gallardo and Vasquez-Collazos to be together was Zapata. They conspired to murder him, with their main priority being their relationship. However, they also stood to gain Zapata’s condo in Peru, an insurance policy, and money from his 401K fund.
Significant evidence in the case revolved around secret cell phones used by Gallardo and Vasquez-Collazos. The court heard that Vasquez-Collazos created an alibi by going to the medical center and a grocery store on the day of the murder. She then returned home to discover Zapata’s body. There were no signs of forced entry at the house.
Zapata sustained fatal injuries, including skull fractures and stab wounds. The scene was staged to appear as a robbery, although valuable items were left behind.
Gallardo and Vasquez-Collazos did not communicate for five days following the murder. However, six days later, they checked into the same hotel in separate rooms. Vasquez-Collazos ultimately stayed the night with Gallardo, prompting her son to search for her.
During the trial, Gallardo’s defense argued that he had no motive to kill Zapata, as he was able to continue his affair with Vasquez-Collazos without interference. The defense highlighted that Gallardo introduced Vasquez-Collazos to his friend as his girlfriend and showed no intent to conceal their relationship.
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