Las Vegas NowCouple Convicted of Toddler's Murder Sentenced
The pair was convicted on first degree murder charges on Wednesday.
A jury has handed down a sentence in the murder trial of three-year-old Crystal Figueroa.
Gladys Perez has been sentenced to life with the possibility of parole.An emotional evening in court as the couple at the center of the Jane Cordova Doe murder case learned their punishment. Marc Colon and Gladys Perez were found guilty of first degree murder Wednesday and both received life at a sentencing hearing on Friday.
Perez will eventually be eligible for parole, but Colon, Crystal Figureoa's killer, will be locked up the rest of his life.
As the clerk read the jury's verdict, family members of the defendant stormed out of the courtroom. At that point, Perez was handcuffed and started crying as she learned her fate. Her ex-boyfriend, Marc Colon, showed little emotion.
SLIDESHOW: The Tragic Life of Crystal Figueroa
"He asked me about an appeal -- obviously had some release as to the sentence. Obviously we hoped to spare his life. That's what the jury did. Obviously we're pleased with that," said attorney Chris Oram.
The case captured the community's attention when Crystal Figureoa, at the time only known as Jane Cordova Doe, was senselessly dumped in a trash bin in 2006.
"Crystal's death had a real impact on our community, and I think today the community kind of gave her something back -- this verdict and this punishment. So I'm just very, very happy with this," said prosecutor Christopher Lalli.
Perez and Colon Arrest Report: Details of the Murder Case:
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Interestingly enough, Colon's defense had argued life in prison would be a harsher punishment than death, saying murderers like Colon are the worst of the worst and would be picked on prison forever. But life in prison ultimately was his fate.
Colon will never be released from prison. Perez will be eligible for parole in 17 and a half years.
The two still face sentencing for charges of neglect and child abuse. They'll be back in court for that punishment December 12, 2008.
