Jose Luis Marquez, the man accused of the 2010 purse snatching that claimed the life of ASU student Kyleigh Sousa, was convicted of first degree murder and robber this morning. Emotional family members and onlookers watched as the jury read the verdict.
Marquez was accused of trying to steal Sousa’s purse while she was outside a Tempe restaurant in May 2010. Sousa’s arm became entangled in the purse strap and she was dragged several feet and sustained blunt force trauma to her head. The injuries to her head were ultimately ruled as the cause of death. After a six month investigation, police arrested a 20 year old Marquez based off of a photo radar picture. The sentencing is scheduled to be help near the middle of December and Marquez could face up to 25 years to life in prison for his crimes.
Marquez is reported to have had a criminal history that involved shoplifting and other robbery charges.