Deon Armstrong, a 29-year-old ex-con, was sentenced to just over 60 years to life in state prison for the shooting death of 27-year-old Antonio Zaza at a Monrovia liquor store two days before Christmas in 2023. Superior Court Judge Mildred Escobedo called the crime cold and callous, noting Armstrong’s prior criminal history. Armstrong was convicted of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Deputy District Attorney Yoobin Hernandez stated that Armstrong, motivated by gang ideology, gunned down Zaza in a brutal and senseless attack captured on store surveillance video. The victim, with a face tattoo, may have been targeted and “mercilessly executed” in a brief interaction before the shooting. Co-defendant Trayvon Dixon, who acted as a lookout, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2022.
The victim’s mother, Madlena Plutae, expressed devastation over her son’s senseless killing, emphasizing that he was innocent and just returning from work. The incident left her in disbelief and grief, questioning the motive behind the brutal attack.
Armstrong and Dixon were arrested in January 2021 in connection with the crime, which resulted in a tragic loss for Zaza’s family. The sentencing highlights the consequences of gang-related violence and the impact it has on victims and their loved ones.
Source
Photo credit www.dailynews.com
