Mother and son convicted of execution-style killing of Naperville man in 2018

DUPAGE COUNTY – A mother and son learned their sentences after the execution-style murder of a woman in 2018 Naperville Man.

Candice Jones, 44, and her son Ernest Collins, 28, face lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the death of 20-year-old Michael Armendariz.

Collins was sentenced to 70 years in prison for murder and 28 years for armed robbery. Jones was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder and 28 years for armed robbery. Both will serve their sentences at the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Cassandra Green, who evicted Armendariz from her home, was sentenced last November to 21 years in prison, of which she must serve at least 85%.

The case dates back to Jan. 14, 2018, when Armendariz received a text from Green and later picked her up outside her apartment in Naperville. When Armendariz got into Green’s car, he was ambushed by Collins, who was hiding in the vehicle. Collins shot Armendariz twice in the back of the head, according to prosecutors.

Collins and Green then transported Armendariz’s body to Jones’ Chicago home, hid it in a dumpster, and then moved the dumpster next door to a vacant garage.

In the days following the murder, Collins and Green used keys taken from Armendariz to break into his apartment. All three suspects were taken into custody in February 2018, although their remains were found several months later.

Ernest Collins, Cassandra Green and Candice Jones were found guilty of the murder of Michael Armendariz, whose body was found in a trash can in Chicago.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin made the following statement following the sentencing of Jones and Collins:

“Ernest Collins, Candice Jones and Cassandra Green worked together to devise an evil, heartless plot to rob and murder Michael Armendariz.”

“Once this plan was put into action, Michael never stood a chance, as he was ambushed and shot twice in the back of the head in a cold-blooded execution. Mr. Collins and Ms. Jones will most likely do the rest. Throughout their lives behind bars, Michael will never return.”

“Guilty verdicts and long prison sentences cannot fill the void that Michael’s family and friends have already endured and will continue to suffer for the rest of their lives. Perhaps knowing that those responsible for Michael’s murder will be held accountable will provide some measure of justice for Michael.” “

“Their tragic loss has undoubtedly affected their lives, and perhaps when they find themselves in difficult times, they can draw on Michael’s happy memories to gain the strength they need to carry on without the love and support he once provided.”