The mother of a New Mexico girl, who was murdered and dismembered in 2016, was given 12 years in prison for her part in the child's death.

According to Associated Press, Michelle Martens had already served six of those years. A district judge in New Mexico handed down the punishment during a virtual hearing on Thursday. Michelle made an on-screen appearance wearing an orange uniform from the detention facility where she has been receiving therapy and treatment.

Michelle, a woman described as a model prisoner, cried as her defense attorney described her daughter, Victoria, as a lovely girl who performed well in school, was well-behaved, and was adored by her neighbors in the Albuquerque apartment complex where they resided.

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New Mexico State District Judge's Decision in Michelle Martens's Case

According to State District Judge Cindy Leos, children who behave well typically come from families with loving and caring parents.

Leos noted that it was the case in the Martens home before Michelle became involved with a man who had a criminal background, citing facts and testimony obtained over numerous court processes, Yahoo reported.

The judge said Michelle was preyed upon by the man, and she was in a position at that moment in her life she was easily manipulated by him, and could not see what he was up to and the serious threat that was posed to her family.

"But nevertheless, we do have a little girl who is no longer with us because of some of the decisions that were made by Ms. Martens," the judge added.

As part of a plea deal, Michelle pleaded guilty in 2018 to reckless child abuse that resulted in death. Both her then-boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, and his cousin, Jessica Kelley, were found guilty of child abuse and other charges and received sentenced to decades in prison.

New Mexico Girl's Killer Is Not Yet Identified

The death of Victoria Martens, who was celebrating her 10th birthday at the time of the crime, shocked the neighborhood. An officer who went to investigate a complaint of a disturbance at the residence discovered the New Mexico girl's bones in a bathtub, partially wrapped in a blanket that had been lit on fire.

When the girl was killed, Victoria's grandparents and others who knew Michelle Martens expressed their confusion regarding Michelle's involvement with Gonzales and Kelley.

Gonzales received 37 1/2 years in prison in October. Prosecutors in his case had asked for a 40-year maximum sentence. The judge combined the two counts of tampering with evidence, including the removal of the victim's body parts, which led to a somewhat reduced sentence.

Although Gonzales did not kill the New Mexico girl, the prosecution claimed throughout his trial that he was responsible for the toxic atmosphere that resulted in Victoria's death. Gonzales had moved into the apartment with Michelle and her daughter, ABC News reported.

Investigators claimed that soon after Kelley was released from jail, Gonzales permitted her to stay at the apartment. According to the findings of the investigation, Kelley was at the house when Victoria was slain, but Martens and Gonzales were not.

According to the prosecution, either Kelley, who was under the influence of illegal drugs, or an unidentified male killed Victoria. Attorneys for Gonzales argued that Kelley killed the girl before attempting to cover it up. The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are hunting for an unidentified guy based on the DNA evidence.

Michelle's lawyer, Gary Mitchell, said she has been taking part in several programs while incarcerated and would make a suitable candidate for community rehabilitation.

Her defense team claimed that despite being teased by other prisoners, Martens has managed to remain composed, put efforts into her therapy, and has developed coping mechanisms. The judge ordered that Michelle Martens continue with her treatment once she is released and placed on supervised probation.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Michelle Martens Sentenced for Role in Victoria Martens Death - From KRQE