Arlington County Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Kendrick had little sympathy for former Marine Jorge Torrez at the convicted rapist’s sentencing today.
Calling Torrez a “coward,” Kendrick imposed the jury’s recommendation that Torrez serve five consecutive life sentences, plus an additional 168 years in prison. Torrez will also pay a $190,000 fine.
Two of Torrez’s three victims were in court for the sentencing, as was one of the jury members from the October trial.
In her argument before the court today, Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos said Torrez is a “predator” who made his victims endure horrifying ordeals. The jury “did the exact right thing” by recommending multiple life sentences, she said.
Torrez is currently being held in the Arlington County Detention Facility. He may eventually be transferred to a state prison, or may be sent to Illinois, where prosecutors are forming a case against Torrez in a 2005 double homicide.