The family of 2-year-old Katherine Cardenas found justice today when accused murderer Jose Arredondo was found guilty on all four counts, including capital murder.
The little girl was sexually assaulted and brutally murdered more than two years ago and the man responsible will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
(DA Isidro Alaniz): "She was a loving, beautiful baby, full of love and today the message has been sent strong to the community so we're very, very happy."
Jose Arredondo found guilty on all counts charged against him.
Arredondo stood without an expression on his face when Judge Lopez said the jury found him guilty of capital murder, two counts of aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated kidnapping.
Arredondo’s grandmother wiped tears from her eyes, as her grandson was found guilty.
But lead prosecutor, Isidro Alaniz said the evidence was stacked up against Arredondo and his bloodstained clothes were the biggest piece of evidence.
"We were able to track and put together all the events that took place that night and in the very end it was baby Katherine's precious blood on his denim jeans that marked him as the killer and the DNA proved that."
Arredondo's mother and grandmother, who both spoke to Pro 8 News during the trail, had no comment after the sentencing.
"(Reporter): Do you have any comments on the case?' (pause) No, No."
"(Reporter): How do you feel about the verdict ma'am? (pause) Any comments? ‘No Gracias.’
Arredondo was sentenced to a life sentence on each count. Judge Lopez ordered the two aggravated sexual assault sentences to run consecutive and cumulative to each other.
Katherine's mother lost permanent resident status in the United States after Katherine was killed, and asked for forgiveness during sentencing from everyone who suffered.
Katherine's father, Benito Cardenas, said he remembers Katherine as a girl who loved to dance and was happy justice has been served.
"Now I see justice, justice for my baby. (Reporter): ‘How much do you miss your daughter?' A lot, a lot."
Jose Arredondo will be eligible for parole after serving two of his 'life' sentences.
According to the district attorney's office, 'life' sentences are equal to about 40 years, so Arredondo will be in his 90's before becoming eligible.