The man convicted of the savage rape and murder of Rosa Elvira Cely earlier this year was sentenced to 48 years in prison, local media reported on Thursday.
According to El Espectador, the defense lawyer for Javier Velasco filed an appeal against the verdict, claiming the guilty plea his client made warranted a reduced sentence.
Velasco apologized to the nation and to Rosa Elvira Cely’s family, however the latter puportedly did not believe his act of contrition.
The crime which sparked a national outcry began on the morning of May 24 when the victim’s body was found in a secluded area of Bogota National Park showing signs of rape, torture and stab wounds. Left for dead, Elvira managed to call the police on her cell phone, who then rushed her to Santa Clara hospital, where she tragically died from her injuries.
Velasco is also facing charges of raping his two biological daughters and abusing a sex worker.