Memphis, TN – Judge John Colton today sentenced 26-year-old Darius Jones to life in prison plus 82 years for the home invasion-robbery and murder of a Mexican man and several other crimes committed against Hispanics. Judge Colton ordered the sentences to be served consecutively. Jones was convicted on July 27, 2002 on 11 of 13 criminal indictments including first degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery, criminal attempt aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

The victim, 26-year-old Armando Enrique Becerra, was shot in the chest and killed on September 29, 2000 during the robbery at an apartment on River Falls Drive in south Memphis. According to the affidavit of complaint, the defendant stole $400 from Becerra and $55 from three other victims.  Two additional victims were shot and injured after they stated they did not have any money.  Hector Moreno was shot in the arm, and Pablo Avardo was shot in the leg. There was testimony during the trial that Jones purposely picked Hispanics to rob.

Assistant District Attorney Mike Davis recommended the maximum sentence of life in prison, plus 93 years, and argued the defendant should be classified as a Dangerous Offender to qualify for the sentences to be served consecutively.

A co-defendant, 20-year-old Spencer Peterson, is scheduled to go to trial on May 12, 2003 in Criminal Court Division 3.  Peterson has also been indicted on 13 charges including first degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary.

The District Attorney’s Office Hispanic victim-witness coordinator helped locate the victims of this crime. Since the Hispanic victim-witness coordinator joined the staff in September of 2001, she has worked with dozens of Spanish speaking victims and witnesses of crimes committed against Hispanics in several criminal cases.