A man who fled to Mexico after murdering his girlfriend was sent to prison Wednesday.
Gutberto Heras-Corrales, 42, will serve at least 15 years in prison and could serve a life sentence for killing Noemi Rodriguez nearly ten years ago. A jury found him guilty in November.
Police believe Rodriguez was stabbed to death on Christmas Day in 2008. A snowplow driver found her body buried in the snow at the Huntsville Cemetery a day later.
Rodriguez had been stabbed several times in the neck and throat.
Rodriguez kicked Heras-Corrales out of her home in Layton on Dec. 18, 2008. Two days later, the two were involved in a fight at a bar in Ogden that resulted in Heras-Corrales being kicked out the bar, according to court documents.
Police say that Heras-Corrales went to his mother, who was visiting from Mexico, and told her it was time to return home. Video taken from a border crossing in Arizona showed a vehicle matching the description of Heras-Corrales truck driving into Mexico, according to a warrant.
Mexican authorities arrested Heras-Corrales in January 2013 and he was extradited to Utah in July 2015.
Victims and survivors of domestic violence can find free and confidential 24 hour support at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) or by visiting udvc.org.
Photo courtesy of Weber County Sheriff's Office