PHOENIX — Armando Hernandez, the defendant who shot three people at Westgate in 2020, was sentenced Friday in court to 44 years in prison.
He took a plea deal in Maricopa County Superior Court that had him admit to four charges that included aggravated assault and attempted murder. As part of the deal, a judge dismissed 35 other charges against him.
The shooting at Glendale's Westgate Entertainment District left three people injured in May 2020.
Hernandez recorded himself pulling a weapon out of his car and told police he was targeting couples that day.
He was captured on a surveillance camera walking through the mall's parking lot with a rifle. He shot an adult woman and two teens. All of the victims survived and were treated for their injuries.
Hernandez surrendered himself to Glendale police and later told them he wanted to shoot at least ten people to "gain some respect."
The defense asked the judge for leniency in the sentencing, saying Hernandez had mental health concerns that contributed to the crime. Hernandez did not speak in court, but his attorneys spoke on his behalf. They said they believed he showed remorse and apologized to the victims.
Judge Chuck Whitehead called Hernandez's actions "reprehensible, horrific and senseless."
The 44-year prison term is the maximum Judge Whitehead could have imposed under the terms of the plea agreement. Hernandez will get credit for time served since he was taken into custody the night of the shooting.
"There are no winners here," Judge Whitehead stated in closing.
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