In a Redding courtroom, Alejandro Armstrong, 22, is set to receive a life sentence for the 2021 murder of Karl Lee Bernardo, a 50-year-old homeless man. Armstrong pleaded no contest to killing Bernardo, who was asleep inside his tent on October 19, 2021.
The Shasta County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Armstrong admitted to additional charges, including committing murder by lying in wait and intentionally firing a weapon, causing significant injury or death.
Armstrong’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, where he is expected to receive a life sentence without the possibility of parole, as well as an additional 25 years to life in prison.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Sarah Murphy led the prosecution, with Redding Police Department Sgt. Braud and the investigations division handling the case, supported by the Anderson Police Department and the Shasta County District Attorney Bureau of Investigations. Senior Victim Advocate Robyn Reger is assisting the victim’s family through this process.
