WORTHINGTON, Minn. -- A jury has found a 34-year-old Worthington guilty of murder in the death of his 2-year-old niece.
Josue Fraga was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing Samantha Fraga while committing first-degree criminal sexual conduct.
After the verdict was read, Fraga told the court he was innocent. His attorney said there will likely be an appeal.
A medical examiner reported that Samantha died March 20, 2008, of head injuries, body bruises, injuries to her genitals and rectum and a ruptured stomach. Fraga's brother had turned over custody of Samantha and her brother to Fraga and his wife.
