Alicia DeBolt murder: Kansas cheerleader's killer, Adam Longoria, sentenced to life term

(CBS/AP) GREAT BEND, Kan. - A Kansas man convicted of capital murder in the killing 14-year-old cheerleader Alicia DeBolt, whose burned remains were found at the asphalt plant where he worked, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison.

Pictures: Alicia DeBolt: A life cut short

Adam Longoria, 38, was formally sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole for Alicia's murder. Barton County Judge Hannelore Kitts had little leeway in deciding Longoria's punishment because a capital murder conviction in Kansas carries a mandatory sentence of at least life without parole. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.

Alicia was last seen alive leaving her home in Great Bend for a party just before midnight on Aug. 21, 2010. Her family reported her missing the next day, setting off a search that ended three days later when her remains, with traces of duct tape on her ankles and face, were found at the Venture Corp. plant outside Great Bend where Longoria worked.

"She was a little girl that was manipulated and abused and murdered by a man who knows better," prosecutor Kevin O'Connor said at the sentencing.

Longoria did not attend the sentencing.

"He is too big of a coward to face us today," Dawn DeBolt, the victim's stepsister, told the court.

Alicia's mother, Tamara Conrad, recounted how she had once been told she could never bear any children and how she helped her husband raise his children from a previous marriage instead. But at age 32, she unexpectedly found herself pregnant. Alicia was her "miracle baby."

"When the monster killed my baby girl, he didn't just kill my miracle baby," said Conrad, wearing a bright yellow t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Alicia's Mamasita." She said Alicia brought joy and happiness to the entire family.

Longoria also was sentenced to 17 months for vehicle burglary and 7 months for theft. Those sentences were meted out consecutive to, or following, the life sentence.

The judge also ordered that Longoria pay more than $7,600 for restitution and other costs.

The defense said it would appeal.

Complete Coverage of Alicia DeBolt on Crimesider