Randy Rodriguez Santos was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison after fatally striking four victims in New York City. Photo / Getty Images
A man convicted of killing four homeless people on the streets of New York in 2019 has been sentenced today to 40 years to life in prison, according to authorities.
Randy Rodriguez Santos, 31, was himself homeless when he attacked three groups of people sleeping on the streets of Chinatown on October 5, 2019.
Santos, who was originally born in the Dominican Republic, used a metal bar to fatally strike four victims and seriously injure a fifth victim.
Attorneys for Santos argued he had a long history of drug addiction and was suffering from schizophrenia at the time of the attacks, but jurors rejected the claims and determined he had acted knowingly.
“The chilling murders committed by Randy Santos shook New York City,” New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement after the verdict was issued, adding that Santos “displayed an appalling disregard for the lives of his victims, who were completely defenceless and unable to protect themselves”.
“Unhoused individuals deserve the same level of safety as anyone else, and I hope the resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the work that remains in protecting and supporting our most vulnerable residents.”
- AFP