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SAVING SANDOVAL: A True Story
"A revealing, real-life courtroom drama, reminiscent of A Few Good Men." --Hunter R. Clark, Director, International Law and Human Rights Program, Drake University Law School
In 2007, U.S. Army Specialist Jorge G. Sandoval Jr. was charged with murder by the very government he had sworn to serve.
While deployed to the most dangerous area in Iraq known as the “Triangle of Death,” Sandoval, an airborne infantryman and elite sniper, was instructed to “take the shot” and kill an enemy insurgent wearing civilian clothes. Two weeks later, Army Criminal Investigation Command descended upon Sandoval’s unit and began interrogating the soldiers, trying to link Sandoval and others to war crimes, including murder.
Captain Craig W. Drummond was the JAG military defense attorney assigned to Sandoval’s case. “The case blew up and was closely followed by reporters around the world. After all, a soldier is trained to follow orders, not ask questions or second-guess authority. I knew I needed to prove his innocence or risk other soldiers being tried and convicted for simply doing their job.”
SAVING SANDOVAL covers the events from the moment the trigger is pulled through the trial in a U.S. military compound on the outskirts of Baghdad during the height of U.S. military surge of troops into Iraq. The book brings the reader into the reality of modern warfare in a post September 11th environment where the enemy does not always wear a uniform and if an event makes headlines military leaders are quick to point the blame on the lowest ranking soldiers regardless of the injustice. The fast-paced and detailed account of the investigation and trial testimony from elite Army snipers brings the reader into the courtroom and onto the battlefield of Iraq.
In 2007, U.S. Army Specialist Jorge G. Sandoval Jr. was charged with murder by the very government he had sworn to serve.
While deployed to the most dangerous area in Iraq known as the “Triangle of Death,” Sandoval, an airborne infantryman and elite sniper, was instructed to “take the shot” and kill an enemy insurgent wearing civilian clothes. Two weeks later, Army Criminal Investigation Command descended upon Sandoval’s unit and began interrogating the soldiers, trying to link Sandoval and others to war crimes, including murder.
Captain Craig W. Drummond was the JAG military defense attorney assigned to Sandoval’s case. “The case blew up and was closely followed by reporters around the world. After all, a soldier is trained to follow orders, not ask questions or second-guess authority. I knew I needed to prove his innocence or risk other soldiers being tried and convicted for simply doing their job.”
SAVING SANDOVAL covers the events from the moment the trigger is pulled through the trial in a U.S. military compound on the outskirts of Baghdad during the height of U.S. military surge of troops into Iraq. The book brings the reader into the reality of modern warfare in a post September 11th environment where the enemy does not always wear a uniform and if an event makes headlines military leaders are quick to point the blame on the lowest ranking soldiers regardless of the injustice. The fast-paced and detailed account of the investigation and trial testimony from elite Army snipers brings the reader into the courtroom and onto the battlefield of Iraq.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2017
35 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Craig W. Drummond
2 books9 followersCraig W. Drummond is an attorney and author in Las Vegas, Nevada. Craig is originally from the historic town of St. Joseph and received his undergraduate and law degrees from Drake University After law school, Craig was commissioned as a Captain and attorney on active duty in the U.S. Army JAG Corps.
In 2007, then Captain Drummond was deployed to Iraq where he defended a U.S. Army Sniper who was being court-martialed for two murders and other related charges. The case made international headlines with the New York Times, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and the Associated Press all having reporters cover the trial. Craig is the author of the book Saving Sandoval, which is a true account of the case and it was published WildBlue Press in 2017.
Craig was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq and left active duty in 2010, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Craig practices law in Las Vegas and is also involved in a number of charity organizations that support our Veterans. Craig is married and has two sons.
In 2007, then Captain Drummond was deployed to Iraq where he defended a U.S. Army Sniper who was being court-martialed for two murders and other related charges. The case made international headlines with the New York Times, the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and the Associated Press all having reporters cover the trial. Craig is the author of the book Saving Sandoval, which is a true account of the case and it was published WildBlue Press in 2017.
Craig was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq and left active duty in 2010, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Craig practices law in Las Vegas and is also involved in a number of charity organizations that support our Veterans. Craig is married and has two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 1, 2018
The book was very interesting. It opens your eyes to what’s going on inside the “enemy lines”. Mr Drummond did a great job explaining the ins and outs of the military justice system as well fighting the odds for his client. Good read!
October 16, 2017
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it. The description that I read of the book called it a "fast-paced and detailed account" - it was a detailed account of the trial, but definitely NOT fast-paced. What I liked about it is that the author gives a great explanation of the military justice system, and presents the information in a very detailed manner. This is basically an account of the legal facts surrounding the trial and the circumstances surrounding the 2 shootings.
What I felt was lacking, and what would have made the book better/more appealing would have been to integrate (if possible) Sandoval's thoughts, feelings, reactions, or experiences throughout the story. We get a very concise, factual account of the legal case, but I did not feel like I knew who Sandoval was, other than some character witness statements, and a blurb on Sandoval near the end.
Also, it seemed pretty clear to me that there had to have been a reason that these charges were being brought against Sandoval in this way...but there were no theories presented, and some of the things that seemed to warrant a little more dialogue were missing (the planting of AK-47's, wire, etc).
I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it. The description that I read of the book called it a "fast-paced and detailed account" - it was a detailed account of the trial, but definitely NOT fast-paced. What I liked about it is that the author gives a great explanation of the military justice system, and presents the information in a very detailed manner. This is basically an account of the legal facts surrounding the trial and the circumstances surrounding the 2 shootings.
What I felt was lacking, and what would have made the book better/more appealing would have been to integrate (if possible) Sandoval's thoughts, feelings, reactions, or experiences throughout the story. We get a very concise, factual account of the legal case, but I did not feel like I knew who Sandoval was, other than some character witness statements, and a blurb on Sandoval near the end.
Also, it seemed pretty clear to me that there had to have been a reason that these charges were being brought against Sandoval in this way...but there were no theories presented, and some of the things that seemed to warrant a little more dialogue were missing (the planting of AK-47's, wire, etc).
January 3, 2026
This book offers a powerful and thoughtful look into the realities faced by soldiers operating in high-risk environments. It goes beyond action or surface-level drama and instead focuses on the intense pressure of making split-second decisions where lives are on the line. The descriptions of these moments are vivid and unsettling, making it impossible not to pause and reflect on what is truly being asked of those in uniform.
What impacted me most was learning about the complexity of military law and rules of engagement. I had no idea how nuanced and situational these rules can be, or how often they change depending on circumstances. Even more eye-opening is the reality that, after surviving these moments, service members can later be scrutinized and second-guessed for decisions made under unimaginable stress.
I finished this book with a deeper respect for combat veterans. It helped me better understand not only what they endure in the moment, but the lasting responsibility and judgment they carry long after the mission ends. A meaningful and worthwhile read that stayed with me well after I turned the final page.
What impacted me most was learning about the complexity of military law and rules of engagement. I had no idea how nuanced and situational these rules can be, or how often they change depending on circumstances. Even more eye-opening is the reality that, after surviving these moments, service members can later be scrutinized and second-guessed for decisions made under unimaginable stress.
I finished this book with a deeper respect for combat veterans. It helped me better understand not only what they endure in the moment, but the lasting responsibility and judgment they carry long after the mission ends. A meaningful and worthwhile read that stayed with me well after I turned the final page.
July 26, 2017
War often comes down to the very personal and terrifying moment when a soldier comes face-to-face with the enemy. If he responds as trained, he lives. No one questions the killing. But for snipers, the situation is different. Their job is to prevent such confrontations by taking out the enemy at long distances. This is what sniper Jorge Sandoval was trained to do and what he did. Rather than being rewarded for doing his job, Sandoval was charged with murder of an Iraqi, despite the fact that his superiors had approved the shot. Having lived and worked in Afghanistan for two years, I am aware of the critical role snipers play in modern warfare. That role was revealed in the book and movie "American Sniper," the story of sniper Chris Kyle, who died tragically, but as an American hero. With Saving Sandoval, we have a very different outcome in similar circumstances. Attorney Craig Drummond details the dramatic and compelling story of the trial of another American sniper and what it took to prevent a grave injustice.
August 5, 2017
Fascinating insight into military trials
I was worried this book would drag on a bit with minute, unimportant details and bore the reader. It was far from that and delivered a story about a young man I wanted to fight for, too, in a book I couldn't put down. I enjoyed that the story was concise, yet carried an compelling view on what so many of our heroes face on the battleground. Well done.
I was worried this book would drag on a bit with minute, unimportant details and bore the reader. It was far from that and delivered a story about a young man I wanted to fight for, too, in a book I couldn't put down. I enjoyed that the story was concise, yet carried an compelling view on what so many of our heroes face on the battleground. Well done.
April 28, 2018
Great biography/non-fiction. I was apprehensive to buy this book even though it came recommended from a friend. I am not normally into military or law-related books. However, this was a compelling story about some questionable charges against a young soldier and the military attorney detailed to defend him. There were footnotes to explain some of the military terms I was not familiar with. A great read!
September 8, 2017
Jorge Sandoval is an Army Specialist who is accused of murder and other crimes. The author, is his defense attorney and the book chronicles the case. Lost of facts and information but written so that a non military reader understand what is going on. Very interesting and eye opening. Drummond has potential as a writer. Although I usually read fiction this book was well worth reading.
November 1, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. Being a former Military Police officer, it was interesting to read what the defense does for a person going on trial. Mr. Drummond made it very easy to read and understand. I have recommended this to friends who like real life military stories.
November 8, 2018
This is a fantastic book! It's a compelling true courtroom drama that is well written and gives fascinating insight into our military justice system and the complexities our troops face in the War against Terror.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews