Pair of Richmond Residents Sentenced in 2013 Murder Case

A pair of Richmond residents were sentenced to long prison terms in Martinez today after being convicted of murdering a Daly City man outside of a casino while trying to rob him in 2013, according to prosecutors. Kevin Vilayngeun, 35, was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison and Brittany Bernard, 27, was given 25 to life in prison for fatally shooting 43-year-old Rodel Sarmiento, prosecutor Chad Mahalich said.

Vilayngeun and Bernard had been convicted by a jury of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and attempted second-degree robbery based on the May 4, 2013, incident. Vilayngeun also faced firearm enhancements. After their arrest, Richmond police said the suspects shot Sarmiento about three miles away from the San Pablo Lytton Casino while trying to rob him. Sarmiento’s vehicle crashed into a building and he was found in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Boonsy Manivan, who was 31 years old at the time, was also arrested in connection with the incident but was later acquitted of her charges.

By Bay City News

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