Mother and son convicted of 2018 murder of Naperville man

DUPAGE COUNTY – A mother and son have learned their punishment after the 2018 execution murder of a Naperville man.

Candice Jones, 44, and her son Ernest Collins, 28, will serve lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the death of 20-year-old Michael Armendariz.

Collins was sentenced to 70 years for murder and an additional 28 years for armed robbery. Jones received a prison sentence of 40 years for murder and 28 years for armed robbery. Both will serve their time in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Cassandra Green, who lured Armendariz from his apartment, was sentenced last November to 21 years, of which she must serve at least 85%.

The case dates back to January 14, 2018, when Armendariz received a message from Green, who then picked him up outside his Naperville apartment. Once in Green’s car, Armendariz was ambushed by Collins, who was hiding in the vehicle. Prosecutors say Collins shot Armendariz twice in the back of the head.

Collins and Green then transported Armendariz’s body to Jones’ home in Chicago, hiding it in a garbage bin before later moving the bin to an empty garage next door.

In the days after the murder, Collins and Green used keys taken from Armendariz to break into his apartment. Although his remains were not discovered until several months later, all three suspects were taken into custody in February 2018.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin released this statement following the sentencing of Jones and Collins:

“Working together, Ernest Collins, Candice Jones and Cassandra Green devised a malicious, heartless plot to rob and murder Michael Armendariz.”

“Once this plan was set in motion, Michael stood no chance as he was ambushed and shot twice in the back of the head in a cold-blooded execution. While Mr. Collins and Mrs. Jones will most likely spend the rest of it their lives behind bars, Michael will never come back.”

“Guilty verdicts and long prison sentences cannot fill the void that Michael’s family and friends have already endured and will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives. Perhaps knowing that those responsible for Michael’s murder will be held accountable will provide some measure of justice in Michael’s life.” name.”

“Their tragic loss has undoubtedly had an impact on their lives and perhaps when they find themselves in difficult times, they will be able to draw on happy memories of Michael for the strength they need to carry on without the love and support he provided. ever gave.”