Phoenix man sentenced in 5-year-old niece's death

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Posted by Breann Bierman - email

PHOENIX (CBS5) -

A Valley man accused of killing his 5-year-old niece has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Leonard Raymond Orta Jr. was sentenced on Friday morning as part of a plea agreement.

Officers were sent to the suspect's apartment located near 28th Street and Indian School Road on Feb. 17, 2010, after receiving information about a family fight at the residence, police said.

The suspect was arguing with his father, Leonard Orta Sr., over a smell coming from inside the apartment, police said.

When officers arrived, they found the decomposing body of Orta Jr.'s niece in a bedroom, authorities said.

Orta Sr. told police he hadn't seen his granddaughter since mid-January and his son refused his requests to check on her.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Phoenix police, Orta Jr. was caregiver of his niece since July of 2009.

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Phoenix man sentenced in 5-year-old niece's death - WFSB 3 Connecticut

Phoenix man sentenced in 5-year-old niece's death

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