A security guard who killed a Chinese immigrant grandfather has been sentenced to 3o years in jail.
As reported by WTKR, security guard Jonathan Cromwell has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars for killing 60-year-old Jiansheng Chen.
Cromwell, who was an armed security guard for Citywide Protection Services LLC shot Chen who was driving a van near Riverwalk Clubhouse in Chesapeake, Virginia.
The 60-year-old grandfather was reportedly playing Pokémon Go at the time and was unarmed. Chen’s family said he had taken to the game to bond with his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Cromwell had claimed that Chen was previously barred from the private property. Chen allegedly drove his van towards Cromwell who then fired at the vehicle to stop it.
“I drew my firearm and was yelling ‘stop the car,’ ‘stop the car,’” Cromwell told police, according to WAVY. “That’s when I started shooting and the first couple rounds went through the driver’s window.”
On Friday, the 12-person jury found Cromwell guilty of second degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of that murder.
Cromwell will serve 27 years behind bars for the murder charge, and three years are mandatory for his charges of use of a firearm.
“Justice is finally served,” said Harry Zhang, a board member and past president of the Organization of Chinese Americans, Eastern Virginia Chapter.
