No victim impact statements at sentencing of man who killed 4 sleeping homeless men
Randy Santos was sentenced Thursday to 40 years to life in prison for bludgeoning four homeless men to death with a metal bar as they slept on New York City streets. No family members or friends appeared in court to speak on behalf of the victims, Florencio Moran, Nazario Vásquez Villegas, Anthony Manson and Chuen Kok. Assistant District Attorney Alfred Peterson noted the absence of victim impact statements during the proceeding. Santos apologized, stating his mind “is much better now” with daily medication and that he feels “very bad” about the killings. Judge Laura A. Ward described the case as a convergence of homelessness, mental illness and narcotics abuse, and noted that Santos targeted “the most vulnerable people in our society.” Defense lawyers had argued that Santos’ schizophrenia left him not criminally responsible and asked for a 20‑years‑to‑life sentence, while prosecutors had sought 50 years to life. A Chinatown activist who attended the sentencing said the decision gives the community closure and dismissed Santos’ apology as performative.
What’s reported
Randy Santos was convicted in February of first‑degree murder for killing four homeless men with a metal bar.
He was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.
No victim impact statements were made because no friends or relatives of the victims were present.
Victims were Florencio Moran, Nazario Vásquez Villegas, Anthony Manson, and Chuen Kok.
Santos apologized in court and said his mental condition has improved with daily medication.
Judge Laura A. Ward cited homelessness, mental illness, and narcotics abuse as underlying factors.
Prosecutors had asked for 50 years to life; defense asked for 20 years to life.
Santos also was convicted of attempted murder for assaults that injured two other men.
The sole survivor of the attack, 49‑year‑old David Hernandez, was critically injured.
Surveillance video showed Santos repeatedly striking a victim with a 4‑foot metal bar.
Key figures
Randy Santos (convicted defendant)
Florencio Moran (deceased victim)
Nazario Vásquez Villegas (deceased victim)
Anthony Manson (deceased victim)
Chuen Kok (deceased victim)
Alfred Peterson (Manhattan Assistant District Attorney)
Laura A. Ward (state judge)
Arnold Levine (defense lawyer)
David Hernandez (surviving victim)
Karlin Chan (Chinatown activist)
Sources: abcnews.com
