AURORA, Colo. – An Aurora man who was found guilty of beating his grandfather to death during an argument that started over what to have for dinner was sentenced to 72 years in prison Friday.
Jason Vanbommel, 34, was sentenced to 72 years in the Department of Corrections after a jury in April found him guilty of reckless manslaughter and first-degree assault of an at-risk adult, among other charges.
Vanbommel was also found to be a habitual offender, which enhanced his sentence, according to Vikki Migoya, spokesperson for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
The argument happened on Dec. 29, 2015, when Vanbommel’s grandmother was preparing shrimp for dinner, something he didn’t want to eat.
His grandfather, Frans Vanbommel, 84, told the man to be respectful of his grandmother but the man flew into a rage and started throwing things and yelling profanities, according to Migoya.
When the grandfather tried to use the phone to call 911, Vanbommel began punching his grandfather in the head with full-strength blows. When the 84-year-old fell to the floor, Vanbommel kicked him in the torso, fracturing his ribs, Migoya said.
The man then reportedly left the house as police were called to the scene.
The grandfather’s condition deteriorated and he died on Jan. 6, 2016, from injuries inflicted by his grandson.
“Unfortunately, all too often our seniors our abused by those closest to them,” said District Attorney George H. Brauchler. “This was an especially egregious case, and this defendant who victimized his grandfather is going where he deserves to be: in prison for a very long time.”
