Man Sentenced to Life for Murder, Carjacking at Sacramento Bank Parking Lot

Jimmy Washington convicted of carjacking and first-degree murder for killing James Nguyen during a 2021 incident.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:20am

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Jimmy Washington has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for carjacking and the murder of James Nguyen. The incident occurred in June 2021 at a Wells Fargo bank parking lot in Sacramento, where Washington carjacked Nguyen's work van while Nguyen was fixing an ATM. Nguyen tried to stop the theft but was killed when he fell from the moving vehicle and was run over.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of violent crimes like carjacking and murder, which can devastate families and communities. The sentencing sends a strong message about the need to hold perpetrators accountable for such heinous acts.

The details

According to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office, Washington was apprehended after carjacking Nguyen's work van at the Wells Fargo near Stockton Blvd and Florin Rd. Nguyen was just feet away, fixing the ATM, when he tried to stop the theft. Washington sped through the parking lot with Nguyen hanging from the driver's-side window, resulting in Nguyen falling and being run over. Nguyen was left in a vegetative state for nearly a year before passing away from his injuries.

  • The incident occurred in June 2021.
  • Nguyen was in a vegetative state for nearly a year before passing away from his injuries.

The players

Jimmy Washington

The defendant who was convicted of carjacking and first-degree murder for killing James Nguyen.

James Nguyen

The victim who was killed during the carjacking incident at the Wells Fargo bank parking lot.

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What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Washington to life in prison without parole concludes the legal proceedings in this case.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address violent crime and protect public safety in Sacramento and other communities.