SPOKANE, Wash. — The man convicted of tying up and killing a 51-year-old has been sentenced to nearly 40 years in prison for the murder near People’s Park.
According to Spokane County court documents, John Birgen, 28 was sentenced to 471 months (39.25 years) in prison for first-degree murder and unlawful imprisonment.
on first-degree murder charges after a body was found near Peaceful Valley on Oct. 23, 2022.
Court documents reveal new details about the killing of Andy Hernandez, 51.
According to the documents, Slone, Birgen, and Larren Parker picked up Hernandez from a local gas station. Police believe Birgen orchestrated the killing and that the other two may have been coerced into participating.
The documents state that the suspects zip-tied Hernandez’s hands and taped his mouth shut. At one point, Birgen believed Hernandez was trying to escape, prompting Birgen to trip him, causing him to fall down a hill. Birgen then struck Hernandez in the head with a large rock, according to court documents.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner determined Hernandez died from blunt-force trauma and suffocation. Police said the body also showed signs of a gunshot wound to the head and cuts on his hands.
Court documents indicate Birgen’s motive was revenge, alleging Hernandez raped Birgen’s friend “a long time ago” while she was sleeping.
According to the Spokesman-Review, Parker pleaded guilty in May to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping. Her sentencing is pending.
Slone is awaiting trial. As of Wednesday, all three defendants remained in custody.