A judge has sentenced a California father who smothered his 5-year-old son to death to 25 years to life, according to KTLA.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Aramazd Andressian Sr., 35, admitted to the April 21 murder of Aramazd “Piqui” Andressian Jr. amid a nasty divorce and custody dispute, with the killing itself taking place after a trip to Disneyland. The child’s remains were recovered in a Santa Barbara County recreation area on June 30, after the father revealed where he left his son’s body.
“I hope you relive the image of you murdering my baby in your mind for the rest of your life,” the boy’s mother, Ana Estevez, tearfully said in court. “I pity you. You are a failure as a father. You are a failure as a man. You are a failure as a human being.”
“I wish that I was taken instead of my son…Piqui was and always will be the love of my life.”
The judge also ordered Andressian Sr. to pay restitution to the victim’s remaining family.
As Crime Online previously reported, Andressian Jr. was found unconscious in a South Pasadena park in April. His father originally claimed that he passed out after taking prescription pills and did not know where his son was.
Investigators say he used a jacket to smother the 5-year-old in the backseat of his BMW, a car that was later found on fire.
Defense attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez maintains that his client took responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty early in the trial.
“There are no words to justify what happened. My client did eventually do the right thing,” Rodriguez said.
Despite believing the crime was premeditated, Deputy District Attorney Craig Hum told reporters that they didn’t have sufficient evidence to prove a special circumstance allegation. The allegation could’ve led to Andressian Sr. being sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole, KCBS noted.
“So once again, I return to the question, ‘Was justice served?’” Estevez said to Los Angeles Times reporters. “In my eyes and in my heart, when there is accountability for all, then justice will have been served.”
Additional Reading:
Did California dad kill 5-year-old son after Disneyland trip in divorce revenge plot?
BOMBSHELL! Father accused of killing 5-year-old son wanted revenge on wife over divorce, say police
Father charged with suspicion of murder over missing boy, Aramazd Andressian Jr.
California boy Aramazd Andressian is still missing; $10K reward offered for his return
Police search lake for missing California boy; father released from jail
Update: Judge increases dad’s bail after details emerge about missing California boy
Urgent! Little boy missing after father passes out in California park
[Featred Image: Handout]
