Six life terms in murder

Man ‘mastermind’ in store robbery

The so-called mastermind of the Three Amigos convenience store robbery was found guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder.

The jury actions found Raul Andino’s led to the death of motorist Samuel Salomon, 70, who took a bullet in the chest that was meant for the store manager in pursuit of the getaway car.

And Circuit Judge Glenn Kelley sentenced Andino, 32, to life in prison, which is mandatory for the murder count. The judge said after the weeklong trial that the newly convicted felon will never walk free.

Edward Salomon, the victim’s son who was present for the entire trial, said after the that Andino is “an untamed animal that needs to be caged.”

In a letter read by a prosecutor, Salomon said he wished Andino could receive the death penalty for greedy actions that took the life of a beloved husband, and father of four sons and grandfather.

Prosecutors had decided not to seek the death penalty in the case; Spanish authorities made that request before Andino was extradited to South Florida in 2015 to face prosecution.

Andino also was convicted of the attempted murder of Three Amigos manager Sian Kiat “Sam” Koh, armed robbery and other charges. The jury deliberated for three hours.

In all, Andino was sentenced to six consecutive terms of life in prison plus 30 years, as his brother, Sweetwater City Police Officer Hector Encarnaverdict