Kansas- from www.kansas.com – Israel Mireles, convicted Feb. 12 of the rape, sodomy and capital murder of 18-year-old Emily Sander [aka Zoe Zane], was sentenced this morning to life in prison without parole.

Mireles entered the courtroom in shackles with his attorney, Melanie Freeman-Johnson.

Mireles fled to Mexico after the November 2007 killing. Because of the extradition agreement, he couldn’t face the death penalty. In Kansas, the only other sentence for capital murder is life without parole.

The gallery was full, and included law enforcement officers and Sander’s family and friends.

Mireles’ parents also were in attendance.

Clem Sander, Emily’s grandfather, choked back tears when he addressed the court.

“What you did was more like a savage animal, rather than a human being,” he said.

Brent Blaine, Emily’s uncle, talked about her strong spirit as the youngest granddaughter.

“Her will was not broken that night, but you are still a pathetic little man,” he said to Mireles.

Russ Sander, Emily’s father, spoke next.

“It was savage.” he said. “It was horrific… Hopefully this man will never see daylight again.”

Mireles, given the chance to speak, said, “I have nothing to say.”

Judge David Ricke told him, “The disrespect in which you treated Emily Sander … was and is appalling.”