California man sentenced for trying to lure victim out of his tent and fatally shooting him

REDDING, Calif. (TCN) -- A man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing a victim at a homeless encampment several years ago.

The Shasta County District Attorney's Office announced that Alejandro Armstrong was sentenced on Aug. 1 to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 25 years to life. Armstrong pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and two special allegations for the commission of the murder by lying in wait and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm resulting in Karl Bernardo’s death.

According to an initial release from the Redding Police Department, on Oct. 19, 2021, officers responded to an encampment, where they located Bernardo deceased in a tent with multiple gunshot wounds. Prosecutors said Armstrong, who was 19 at the time, "attempted to lure the victim out of his tent, and when that attempt failed, Armstrong shot the victim repeatedly and then left the area." Authorities later located Armstrong in his home. Officials recovered two firearms the defendant used in the attack, as well as other firearms, including an illegal assault weapon.

At the sentencing hearing, Robyn Reger, a senior victim advocate, read a statement from one of the victim's daughters that said, "I truly hope you find inner peace and take the time to reflect on your choices within those four walls you will now call home. But I also hope you never unhear his name. I hope his name never leaves your mind. As your name on the news channel will never leave mine. So once again. Karl Lee Bernardo, the name that changed your life forever. Karl Lee Bernardo, my dad."

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