SAN ANTONIO — After five and a half years, justice has come for a Fredericksburg family.
Thursday morning, in a Kerr County courtroom, Porfirio Hernandez-Gonzalez accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Martha Christine Garza.
Martha Garza's mother Anna Villegas, says she is happy with today's sentencing, and feels justice has been served.
“Really we just wanted this to all be done, because it took a lift off my shoulders, a very big lift off my shoulders,” said Anna Villegas, Martha Garza's mother.
Anna Villegas says she is relieved after the sentencing. Martha Garza was killed in Fredericksburg in November of 2018.
Garza was last seen by her family on November 17, at her daughter Arianna's 9th birthday party. Deputies say she was last with Hernandez-Gonzalez.
Days later, Garza was found by hunters on a private property, near the Pecan Creek Area, Villegas recalls that day.
“Sad, I mean no matter how many words I get out, I can’t express how I felt that day,” said Villegas.
Porfirio Hernandez Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the murder. Villegas says she is pleased with the sentencing.
“I'm very happy to say, I do. Even though it’s 40 years, even if he were to get out, he’s not going to be able to enjoy life. He’s going to be old,” said Villegas.
Villegas says since her daughter's death it's been hard, but she's relied on her faith to get her through. It's also been tough for her granddaughter, Arianna, who is now 14.
“It was most hard was my granddaughter. She's the one that (took) it hard. I (took) it hard, but I think she (took) it harder,” said Villegas.
Villegas says the judge granted Hernandez-Gonzalez credit for the time he has served, which is less than a year.