New York man sentenced for 2019 murders of four homeless people

On Thursday, 31-year-old Randy Rodriguez Santos was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for the murders of four homeless individuals in Manhattan's Chinatown. The defendant, who was also homeless at the time of the October 2019 attacks, beat the sleeping victims to death using a metal bar weighing nearly seven kilograms. A fifth victim survived the assaults with severe injuries. During the trial, the defense argued that Santos suffered from schizophrenia and a history of substance abuse. However, the jury rejected the insanity defense, determining that he acted with intent. The sentence allows for a parole hearing after 40 years, though he could face life imprisonment if the request is denied. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg noted that the crimes profoundly affected the city and emphasized the need for better protection of vulnerable populations.