Target Worker Gets 100 Year Sentence For Killing Colleague

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Target Worker Gets 100 Year Sentence for Killing Colleague in Lunch Theft Rage.

Target Worker Gets 100 Year Sentence for Killing Colleague over a suspected stolen lunch.

A former employee of Target in Virginia has been sentenced to a century in prison for the brutal murder of a coworker, whom he accused of stealing his lunch. During his sentencing on Tuesday, 25-year-old Bazen Berhe threatened further harm unless he received the most severe punishment, as reported by Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano in a press release.

A Fairfax County judge imposed a 100-year prison term on Berhe.

With 30 years suspended, resulting in a 70-year incarceration period. Berhe, residing in Alexandria, was employed at the Bailey’s Crossroads Target when, in April 2021, he ambushed 58-year-old store janitor Hernan Leiva, fatally attacking him with knives and a hammer.

Berhe faced first-degree murder charges for the savage killing, claiming that it was triggered by Leiva allegedly stealing his food from the office fridge on April 14. Expressing his discontent over the purported theft, Berhe spent the ensuing days plotting a homicidal revenge. The following day, after his Target shift, Berhe purchased a hammer and a pair of knives. Revealing to detectives that he spent the subsequent day “training for murder,” according to the press release.

On the third day, April 17, Berhe lay in wait for Leiva in the Target employee parking lot. When the unsuspecting janitor arrived for work, Berhe attacked him with his weapons, stabbing and beating him before fleeing. Shortly afterward, Berhe returned to the parking lot, surrendering himself to police officers investigating the crime.

Berhe promptly confessed to Leiva’s killing and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in October 2023. Descano emphasized the unnecessary and tragic nature of Leiva’s death. Leaving a grieving family and community forever altered by such senseless violence. Describing Berhe as a self-proclaimed danger to the community, Descano underscored that the sentencing was crucial for maintaining public safety.