After pleading guilty to his role in an armed robbery, a Cochise County man has been sentenced to 5.5 years in prison, two years less than the presumptive term despite having several prior felony convictions since 2015.
Demondra Brandon Heard recently entered into a plea deal for one count of aggravated robbery stemming from his actions back in September 2021 when he went to the Sierra Vista home of an acquaintance to collect a debt. Accompanying Heard, 28, was a Hispanic male with a blue bandana over his face.
A security camera at the acquaintance’s home shows Heard speaking to the victim but never displaying a gun. Instead, the Hispanic male displays a black handgun with an extended magazine. The same video shows the gunman “rack” a round into the chamber although no shots were fired.
Heard, was arrested a few days later. Public records show he had been released from prison in June 2021 for aggravated assault.
According to Heard, the Hispanic male was Daniel Joshua Miranda, then 17-years-old. Heard admitted ending up with the $160 the victim handed to the gunman.
On March 28, Judge Laura Cardinal formally imposed sentence and gave Heard credit for 187 days of time served. Heard is expected to be transferred to the Arizona Department of Corrections later this month and is eligible for early release from custody after serving 85 percent of his term.
Miranda was arrested in late September and charged as an adult with armed robbery, aggravated robbery, and weapons misconduct for possession of a handgun by someone under the age of 21. He later posted bail and has been awaiting trial while living outside of Cochise County.
Among the evidence to be introduced at trial is a blue bandana and a gun found in a nearby alley minutes after officers arrived in response the 911 call. DNA evidence is also expected to play a role at trial, although no trial date has been set.
Court records show the Cochise County Attorney’s Office is working with Miranda’s defense attorney to resolve the case without a costly trial. In the meantime, Miranda is due back in court April 22 for his next hearing.
