Randy Santos received a prison sentence of 40 years to life on August 13 for the 2019 killing of four homeless men in Manhattan's Chinatown [1, 2].
Santos targeted three groups of sleeping homeless individuals, using a metal bar to attack them in October 2019. Four men died from the brutal assaults, while one was seriously injured [1, 2]. Among the victims was 83-year-old Chuen Kok, an immigrant from Hong Kong [1]. Santos was 31 years old at the time of the attacks [2].
The defense argued Santos suffered from schizophrenia and drug addiction, pushing an insanity defense. However, the jury rejected this claim, finding him responsible for the crimes [2].
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg condemned the killings as "cold-blooded" and emphasized the need for society to protect vulnerable populations. He said, "The defendant showed a shocking disregard for the defenseless victims, and homeless people deserve the same right to safety as everyone else" [2].
No family members or friends appeared in court to speak on behalf of the victims during sentencing [1].
Santos’s sentence formally concludes the legal proceedings for the 2019 attacks. He will serve at least 40 years before becoming eligible for parole.
