DENVER - The conviction of a man who killed a 3-year-old toddler in 2007 was upheld by the Colorado Court of Appeals Thursday.
The body of Neveah Gallegos was found in a ravine in Lakewood Dry Gulch in the 1100 block of Perry Street in September 2007 following days of searching by police and community members.
Angel Ray Montoya, 30, was found guilty of first-degree murder, child abuse resulting in death and abuse of a corpse and was given a mandatory life term for the murder count, 48 years for the abuse count and 12 months for abuse of a corpse. The terms are to be served concurrently.
Montoya appealed his conviction and alleged in the appeal the trial court had erred its jury instructions by improperly admitting evidence and testimony.
Neveah's mother, Miriam Gallegos, 28, was also charged in the case. She pleaded guilty to child abuse resulting in death and is serving a 12-year sentence in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
(© 2015 KUSA)
