DOB: 10/29/1986

Case Numbers: CF2300484, CF2301379

St. Johns County Defendant Sentenced to Prison for Murdering Wife

ST. AUGUSTINE – During a hearing this morning, defendant David Armstrong entered a guilty plea to Second-Degree Murder (Firearm) and Criminal Mischief. He was then sentenced to 42.5 years in prison for the crimes.

On December 19, 2022, Armstrong called 911 to report that his wife had been dropped off at their St. Augustine home badly injured. St. Johns County Deputies responded to the scene and found the woman dead in their yard.

The medical examiner’s report later revealed the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head, neck and torso, and ruled her death a homicide.

The defendant gave multiple conflicting statements to detectives and provided names of people who he claimed would corroborate them.

Following a months-long investigation, detectives had gathered multiple pieces of evidence and witness interviews, which contradicted Armstrong’s statements. Furthermore, forensic DNA evidence found on the victim was a match to Armstrong.

The defendant was then arrested on April 6, 2023.

“The defendant literally beat his wife to death,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “This conviction and sentence is the result of hard work and dedication from the sheriff’s office and your state attorney’s office. We work together every day, and in every case, to protect you and your family.”

The case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Sarah Thomas successfully prosecuted the case for the state. The Honorable Lee Smith presided over the case and pronounced sentence.