Christopher Clements: Man convicted of kidnapping and murder of Isabel Celis sentenced to natural life
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
TUCSON, ARIZONA: Christopher Clements, previously convicted for the murder of 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez, has been sentenced to natural life in prison for the killing of another young girl, 6-year-old Isabel Celis.
In a courtroom session on Wednesday, April 10, Clements, now 42, received his sentence after being found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and burglary in the tragic death of Isabel, whose body was discovered years after she vanished from her parents' home in 2012.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Clements faced the consequences of his actions as the court handed down the sentence. Refusing to testify during his trial, the convict expressed dissatisfaction with the judicial process, claiming he was denied a fair trial.
Isabel Celis' father heartbroken over inability to protect daughter
The emotional toll of the loss was palpable as Isabel's father, Sergio Celis, addressed the court, expressing his enduring sense of responsibility for failing to protect his daughter from harm.
"Until the day I die, I will feel responsible for not doing my job and protecting my little girl from the evil that lurked outside her window," he lamented.
Clements' involvement in Isabel's death came to light in 2017 when he offered information to FBI agents in exchange for leniency in an unrelated burglary case. Despite initially denying any involvement, the suspect was ultimately convicted of the heinous crimes.
"He took her childhood away from her," remarked Becky Celis, Isabel's mother. “In my opinion, Christopher has no remorse... His punishment should be natural life in prison with no parole,” reported AP.
Christopher Clements' criminal history
Judge James Marner, presiding over the case, handed down a 17-year prison term for kidnapping and 3 ½ years for burglary, to be served consecutively to Clements' existing convictions.
This recent conviction marks the culmination of a legal saga that began in 2014 with Clements' arrest for the murder of Maribel Gonzalez.
Sentenced in 2022 for Gonzalez's kidnapping and killing, Clements now faces the prospect of spending the rest of his life behind bars for his crimes against both young girls.
