Man Convicted of Murdering 4 Homeless Men in NYC Chinatown

Jury rejects insanity defense, finds Randy Santos guilty of first-degree murder

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A jury has convicted Randy Santos, a 31-year-old homeless man, of first-degree murder for the 2019 killings of four sleeping homeless men in New York City's Chinatown neighborhood. Santos' attorneys had argued an insanity defense, claiming he was driven by schizophrenic delusions, but prosecutors successfully argued that Santos knew his actions were illegal and immoral.

Why it matters

The brutal murders of the four homeless men, who were strangers to Santos, sparked scrutiny of New York City's struggles to aid and protect its growing homeless population. The case also highlights the complex issues surrounding mental illness, criminal responsibility, and how the legal system handles such cases.

The details

In 2019, Randy Santos fatally beat four sleeping homeless men on the streets of Chinatown using a metal bar. Santos' attorneys argued he was not criminally responsible due to schizophrenic delusions, but prosecutors showed that Santos took steps to avoid witnesses and later acknowledged that his actions were "not a good action", indicating he knew they were illegal and immoral.

  • The killings occurred in 2019.
  • Santos was convicted by a jury on February 20, 2026.
  • A sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The players

Randy Santos

A 31-year-old homeless man convicted of first-degree murder for the 2019 killings of four sleeping homeless men in New York City's Chinatown neighborhood.

Chuen Kok

One of the four homeless men killed by Randy Santos in 2019.

Anthony Manson

One of the four homeless men killed by Randy Santos in 2019.

Florencio Moran

One of the four homeless men killed by Randy Santos in 2019.

Nazario Vásquez Villegas

One of the four homeless men killed by Randy Santos in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“A jury determined that Randy Santos knowingly and purposefully murdered four men with a metal bar in the span of less than 30 minutes. They were strangers to him, and simply happened to be sleeping on Chinatown sidewalks that horrific night.”

— Alvin Bragg Jr., Manhattan District Attorney (wbal.com)

“The only explanation was Randy's psychosis. … It's the only thing that explains what happened.”

— Arnold Levine, Defense Attorney (wbal.com)

“Despite his illness, he was able to make a determination that what he was doing was wrong.”

— Alfred Peterson, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney (wbal.com)

What’s next

A sentencing hearing for Randy Santos is scheduled for April 16, 2026, where he could face life in prison for the first-degree murder convictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex challenges of addressing mental illness and homelessness in urban areas, as well as the difficult balance between criminal responsibility and compassion for those struggling with severe mental health issues. The verdict underscores the legal system's focus on holding individuals accountable, even in cases with mitigating factors.