GLENDALE, Ariz. (Scripps News Phoenix) — The man who opened fire at Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District in 2020 has been sentenced.
In a Maricopa County courtroom Friday, Armando Hernandez Jr. was sentenced to 44 years in prison and 7 additional years of probation, the maximum sentence allowed with his plea deal.
In a Maricopa County courtroom Friday, Armando Hernandez Jr. was sentenced to 44 years in prison and 7 additional years of probation, the maximum sentence allowed with his plea deal. (KNXV)
Back in May of 2020, three people were rushed to a hospital after a gunman started shooting into a crowded area. All three survived their injuries.
The suspect was quickly identified by police as Hernandez Jr., who was 20 years old at the time.
He was arrested at the scene and reportedly admitted to detectives that he had gone to Westgate “intending to harm 10 people.”
According to police, Hernandez arrived at Westgate, and first surveyed the area before going back to his vehicle, drinking alcohol and retrieving his assault rifle. He could then be seen on video from the scene walking through the center firing shots.
“Those at Westgate on May 20 not only feared for their lives but three people received serious injuries. A maximum sentence for these crimes is justice. We are fortunate that the victims in this case survived and now a dangerous individual has been removed from our community,” said Interim County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
This story was originally published July 8 by KNXV in Phoenix, an E.W. Scripps Company.
