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.
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