An Arlington man is now facing decades behind bars after a jury convicted him of last year.
A Circuit Court jury found 29-year-old聽Heber Amaya-Gallo guilty of one count of second degree murder on Thursday (July 26). The jury recommended a 36-year sentence for the killing, but a judge will have the final say on the matter.
Prosecutors alleged that Amaya-Gallo strangled 55-year-old Michael Wiggins after an argument between the two roommates became physical on Jan. 30, 2017. The pair lived in a home along the 5100 block of聽7th Road S. in Arlington Mill.
Amaya-Gallo was initially charged with first degree murder immediately after the killing, but the jury would ultimately agree to convict him on a lesser charge following a four-day trial last week.
鈥淭he jury鈥檚聽verdict聽and sentence of 36 years in prison reflects this community鈥檚 abiding belief that crimes of violence against vulnerable victims will not be tolerated,鈥� Commonwealth鈥檚 Attorney Theo Stamos said in a statement. 鈥淭he defendant鈥檚 actions in choking to death a person who provided him with a home, food and friendship were cruel and heartless.聽We thank the jury for giving this case the attention and seriousness it deserved.鈥�
Amaya-Gallo is set for a sentencing hearing in Circuit Court on Oct. 12.
