Man gets life sentence for death of teenage woman, toddler

TRI-CITIES, Wash. — A man convicted of killing his 18-year-old girlfriend and her toddler in southeastern Washington has been sentenced to life in prison.

The Tri-City Herald reports 26-year-old Prudencio Juan Fragos-Ramirez was given two life sentences Wednesday after being found guilty of two counts of aggravated first-degree murder. He will be imprisoned without the possibility of early release or parole.

Fragos-Ramirez was accused of shooting Maria Cruz-Calvillo in July 2015 because he was possessive and obsessed with her.

Authorities say Cruz-Calvillo and her 3-year-old son, Luis Lopez-Cruz, were shot inside a car, which was then set on fire.

The burning vehicle was found in a ravine in northern Franklin County.

The defense claimed the mother and son likely were killed by drug dealers.

Attorney Scott Johnson says his client maintains his innocence.