Michael Armendariz, a 20-year-old male from Naperville, Illinois, was tragically murdered on January 14, 2018. His death was the result of a meticulously planned and executed robbery and murder scheme orchestrated by Candice Jones, her son Ernest Collins, and Collins' girlfriend, Cassandra Green. Armendariz was lured from his apartment by Green, who had known him since childhood. She sent him a message and picked him up in a black Ford Explorer.
Unbeknownst to Armendariz, Collins was hiding in the back of the vehicle. Shortly after Armendariz entered the car, Collins emerged and shot him twice in the back of the head. The trio then transported Armendariz's body to Jones' residence in Chicago, where they hid it in a garbage can before moving it to a vacant garage next door.
The investigation into Armendariz's disappearance began when he failed to show up for work, prompting his mother to report him missing. His phone last pinged on a cell tower on the south side of Chicago, and his body was eventually discovered in a garbage can several months later. The authorities were able to piece together the events leading to his death through social media connections and records of the black SUV used in the crime. It was revealed that the trio had attempted to rob Armendariz multiple times before the fatal incident, even purchasing lock pick tools online to break into his apartment.
In the aftermath of the murder, all three suspects were arrested and charged with multiple crimes. Ernest Collins, 28, was sentenced to 70 years for murder and an additional 28 years for armed robbery. Candice Jones, 44, received a 40-year sentence for murder and 21 years for armed robbery. Cassandra Green, 27, who played a crucial role in luring Armendariz, was sentenced to 21 years for armed robbery, with the requirement to serve at least 85% of her sentence. The sentencing of Jones and Collins brought some measure of closure to Armendariz's family, although the pain of their loss remains.
The case highlighted the cold-blooded nature of the crime, with DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin describing the plot as "evil" and "heartless." The lengthy prison sentences for the perpetrators were seen as a form of justice for Armendariz's family and friends, who continue to grapple with the void left by his untimely death. The tragic events of January 14, 2018, serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violent crime on individuals and their loved ones.
