Garcia sentenced to life without parole

Ruben Garcia at the Lubbock County Courthouse

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - A Lubbock jury has found Ruben Garcia, 29, guilty of the October 2009 murders of Jessica Hernandez, 28, and Rudy Vela, 28.

The jury deliberated a little over an hour. Family members were clearly emotional as the verdict was presented. The judge delivered an immediate sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

After the verdict was delivered, two of Hernandez's family members were given the opportunity to address Garcia.

Jessica's cousin said, "We took you in as a family and this is how you repaid us. Every night I hope you see my cousin's face and Rudy's face."

Garcia has the opportunity to appeal it at a later date. From the beginning, the district attorney's office did not pursue the death penalty in this case.

Trial, February/March 2012

Day One: Witnesses describe 'gruesome' scene in Ruben Garcia murder trial

Day Two: Woman stabbed in face testifies in capital murder trial

Day Three: Dramatic crime scene photos presented at Garcia trial

Day Four: Crime scene investigators testify in capital murder trial

Day Five: Garcia takes the stand in Day 5 of capital murder trial