75 years in prison for the man found guilty of killing Erika Gaytan

UPDATE: Judge Sam Medrano issued the sentence Tuesday morning after hearing impact statements and from character witnesses Monday and Tuesday morning. Ricardo Marquez was sentenced to 75 years in prison.

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EL PASO, Texas -- Erika Gaytan's son and other loved ones continue to struggle almost three years after she was murdered by Ricardo Marquez.

Gaytan's aunt, Maria Elena Ruiz, took the stand in the sentencing phase of the trial. She said that not knowing where Gaytan's body is causes her extreme pain, and she has no peace in her heart.

Ruiz described Gaytan as joyful and happy, and that she had her faults, but loved her son.

Victor Renovato, the father of Gaytan's son, testified that his son does not sleep well, struggles in school, and asks daily about his mother. Renovato said he told his son his mother became ill and died as a result, as he feared his son's reaction to his mother being murdered. Gaytan's son was 7 years old when she was killed.

Marquez's sentencing will resume Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the County Courthouse where the defense will bring forth their character witnesses.

It is unclear whether a decision will be reached Tuesday.

Stay tuned to ABC-7 as this story develops.