Man receives 50 years to life for murder of waitress

Johnnie Jordan, 51, was sentenced Monday to 50 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder of a woman in Roseville in 2021. Jordan walked into the House of Oliver restaurant and murdered a waitress whom he had a previous romantic relationship with and then drove to the South Placer Jail to turn himself in. According to a Gold Mountain California News Media report, the Roseville Police Department responded to reports of gunshots near the 3900 block of Douglas Boulevard on June 21, 2021, and found the victim, identified as 51-year-old Vita Joga, with life-threatening injuries. According to the Placer County District Attorney's Office, Joga decided to part ways after the relationship progressed into an engagement, which led to jealousy, stalking and continued domestic violence. Jordan had a violent history with a record including possession of a firearm as a felon, criminal threats and strangulation, which Joga was not aware of. Before the sentence was delivered, Viktoria Hazegh-Aazam, Joga's daughter, read her victim impact statement for the court, noting she hoped Jordan was held accountable for Joga's death and the loss of her mother has "shattered my sense of security and trust." "She wasn't just my mom; she was my rock. My entire support system, and my best friend," Hazegh-Aazam told the court. "And to have her ripped away from me in such a horrific manner is a wound that will never heal." Following Hazegh-Aazam's statement, Jordan addressed the court and issued an apology to Joga's daughter, noting he was not asking for her forgiveness but wanted to express his remorse. "I'm so sorry I took your mom from you," he said. "I want you to know how much I regret what I did. I wish I could take it all back." Judge Angus Saint-Evens confirmed Jordan will have to submit to DNA and finger and palm print samples as part of his sentencing. "Today was an emotional day, as expected, but it at least brings a close to the legal portion of this case so the family can begin to grieve properly without worrying about next court dates," Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire said following the sentencing. "But I think Mr. Jordan's words rang a little bit hollow. His apology seemed a little bit insincere given the circumstances of the case." Gire said Jordan also assaulted a correctional officer before his plea was entered and he will serve 32 months in prison before he begins serving his sentence for the murder. Additionally, Gire confirmed Jordan will be eligible for parole after he serves the entirety of his 50-year sentence. "This sentence was fashioned in a manner that hopefully prevents him ever from obtaining an opportunity to get parole," Gire said.