SAN DIEGO (CN) - A dealer who prosecutors say used his cell phone to record the torture and murder of a man who stole his drugs was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors said Juan Castro-Navarro sent the photos to other traffickers and his girlfriend or wife, whom he told in one message: "I just want you to know that I love you guys and that I'm only going to kill one more. I have never killed anyone who didn't deserve it. I'll see you later."
His girlfriend replied: "What is this? Are you OK? Thank God. Be careful my love. I love you with all my heart," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a statement.
Castro, 43, of Culiacan, Sinaloa pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to conspiracy to distribute more than 40 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2 kilos of heroin.
He was not charged with murder because the victim was not a U.S. citizen and he was killed in Tijuana. The sentencing judge agreed to prosecutors' request for a sentencing enhancement because of evidence found on Castro's cell phone.
The judge called Castro a "monster," then sentenced him to 182 months in prison.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.