Jury Recommends 36 Years For Arlington Man For Killing Roommate

ARLINGTON, VA -- An Arlington County Circuit Court jury has found an Arlington man guilty of murder in the 2017 slaying of his roommate, and the jury is recommending a 36-year sentence, according to a statement from the county.

Heber Amaya-Gallo, 29, was convicted of second degree murder in the death of Michael Wiggins on Jan. 30, 2017 following an argument at the residence they shared that became violent, the statement reads.

Police were dispatched to the 5100 block of 7th Road S. at around 2 p.m. on that date for a death investigation.

"The investigation later revealed that a verbal altercation between roommates became physical, resulting in the death of the victim from neck compression," the statement adds. "Three subjects were located on scene and transported to police headquarters, where they were interviewed by detectives. Amaya-Gallo was subsequently arrested and charged with first degree murder. The other two subjects were determined to be witnesses to the incident."

Formal sentencing is scheduled for a later date.

“The jury’s verdict and sentence of 36 years in prison reflects this community’s abiding belief that crimes of violence against vulnerable victims will not be tolerated. The defendant’s actions in choking to death a person who provided him with a home, food and friendship were cruel and heartless. We thank the jury for giving this case the attention and seriousness it deserved,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos in the statement.

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