Man gets life sentence for fatal shooting of teenage girl

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) - A Pennsylvania man has received a life sentence for the fatal shooting of a New Jersey teenager killed as she sat in bed watching television with her 7-year-old brother.

Hudson County prosecutors say 44-year-old Cruz Martinez, of Hazelton, must serve about 53 years before he becomes eligible for parole under the sentence imposed Friday. He was convicted in May on felony murder and other counts in the January 2013 slaying of 16-year-old Alishia Colon.

Prosecutors say the Kearny teen was shot in the face by Martinez as revenge for an ongoing dispute with members of her family. The shooting occurred not long after street fight involving some of her relatives.

Martinez maintains his innocence. His attorney said he plans to file an appeal.

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