Kenosha man sentenced to life for 2012 homicide

KENOSHA, Wis. - A Kenosha man convicted of strangling a woman and leaving her body in a cemetery in 2012 will spend the rest of his life in prison.

A Kenosha News report says 53-year-old Javier Garcia was sentenced Monday afternoon. He continued to maintain his innocence, saying he did not kill Lisa Mezera.

A jury convicted him in February after DNA evidence linked Garcia to the victim.

He was convicted of first-degree intentional homicide, which carries a mandatory life sentence. Judge Mary Kay Wagner had the option of allowing the possibility of parole but she didn't, citing Garcia's lack of remorse.

The 26-year-old Mezera was found fatally beaten and partially clothed. Her family told the judge they continue to struggle for answers.

Defense attorney Terry Rose says he intends to appeal.