Washoe District Judge Janet Berry handed down the sentence Friday to Jonathan Lloyd, 29, who earlier pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murder charges to escape the death penalty.
Prosecutors said the former Kinko's Copies worker strangled Jennette Testa of Reno in July 1999 and later set her body on fire to get rid of the evidence. Her body was found burning in a south Reno business park.
The victim's mother wept as she testified during the two-hour sentencing hearing.
"I'm very relieved that the process is over," said Kathi Testa Smith. "It's been a very hard time for me. I'm very thankful that he has received the stiffest sentence possible."
archive