Judge John Feeney sentenced Jason Armstrong to a total of 40 years to life in prison this morning after hearing from both attorneys and the victim's family.
Armstrong was sentenced to 15 years to life for the second degree murder of Daneyal Siddique; he got a consecutive term 25 years to life for one special allegation and for the other special allegation, the 20 years to life terms was "stayed."
Three family members, two sisters and Siddique's mother read victim impact statements. One of the sisters read a letter from Siddique's fiancee who is on the East Coast and could not make it for the sentencing.
Fines and restitution was somewhat reduced and parts of the probation report were stricken after Mr. Kevin Robinson, Armstrong's attorney presented legal arguments to Judge Feeney. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees also presented certain rebuttal arguments and prevailed in other decisions.
The quotes in the title of the post are from Siddique's fiancee, Danielle Henderson's letter. All victim impact statements included references to Armstrong's wife, children and family and their suffering as well.
I will have a separate post on just the victim impact statements later.
DA's press release:
On December 8, 2015, in the case of the People of the State of California v. Jason Armstrong, the jury found the defendant, age 41, guilty of second degree murder for the killing of Daneyal Siddique, and found true two special allegations regarding the use of a firearm in that crime.
On January 6, 2016, the Hon. John T. Feeney, Judge, sentenced the defendant to an indeterminate sentence of 15 years to life for second degree murder, and a consecutive indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life for the use a firearm causing the death of Daneyal Siddique. Because the two indeterminate sentences are consecutive, the defendant will be eligible for parole in forty years.
Daneyal was the oldest of six children. Daneyal’s mother Susan, and two of his sisters, Jamila and Salma, were present at the hearing, and each of them addressed the judge prior to sentencing. Daneyal’s fiancée wasn’t able to attend, but she wrote a letter that was read by Jamila. Daneyal’s father, brother, and two other sisters were also unable to attend the hearing, but his sister Salma shared their thoughts about what his loss meant to everyone in the family.
Jason Armstrong sentencing continued until tomorrow morning
In December, a jury found Jason Armstrong, guilty of second degree murder for the death of Daneyal Siddique. Two special allegations about discharging a firearm and causing great bodily injury were found to be true.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees.
This afternoon Armstrong was sentenced but defense only received the probation report yesterday and his trial attorney could not be present until tomorrow. On behalf of Mr. Kevin Robinson, Ms. Heidi Holmquist requested the continuance so he could meet with Armstrong and if needed, file a statement of mitigation.
The defense wanted a longer continuance but DDA Rees stood up for the victim's family, who had travelled out of town, and he mentioned that Mr. Robinson was present in court when this sentencing date was set.
10 a.m. is the new time tomorrow.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees.
This afternoon Armstrong was sentenced but defense only received the probation report yesterday and his trial attorney could not be present until tomorrow. On behalf of Mr. Kevin Robinson, Ms. Heidi Holmquist requested the continuance so he could meet with Armstrong and if needed, file a statement of mitigation.
The defense wanted a longer continuance but DDA Rees stood up for the victim's family, who had travelled out of town, and he mentioned that Mr. Robinson was present in court when this sentencing date was set.
10 a.m. is the new time tomorrow.
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