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A former Target employee and Virginia man has been sentenced after allegedly murdering his co-worker over stolen lunch.
According to KIRO-TV, a man named Bazn Berhe, 25, received a 100-year sentence with 30 years suspended. His sentence was reportedly announced earlier this week by the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
The outlet reports that Berhe was found guilty of first-degree murder. Berhe allegedly killed his co-worker, Hernan Leiva, 58, in the parking lot of their job in April 2021.
According to the outlet, on April 14, 2021, Berhe became upset after discovering Leiva had stolen his lunch from the employee fridge. The incident had reportedly occurred on multiple occasions.
A few days later, the 25-year-old purchased a hammer and two knives. He had reportedly decided to kill Leiva and “trained” for the murder.
On April 17, 2021, Berhe arrived at the employee parking lot and waited for his co-worker.
When Leiva showed up, Berhe allegedly attacked him.
The 58-year-old was stabbed and bludgeoned to death. Additionally, the New York Post reports Berhe left the scene afterward.
However, a short time later, Berhe reportedly returned to the scene. He was ultimately arrested and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in October of that year.
Furthermore, he reportedly requested to receive the “harshest” punishment.
“Mr. Leiva’s unnecessary and tragic death leaves behind a grieving family and community, one that will never be the same after such a senseless act of violence,” Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano said per KIRO-TV. “In this case, because of the unique and self-proclaimed danger the defendant continues to pose to the community, today’s sentence was a necessary outcome for maintaining public safety.”
According to the New York Post, Leiva has left behind a partner and two sons. Additionally, he is remembered as an “extraordinarily hard worker and prominent figure to his family.”
