The case involves the 2007 strangulation of 21-year-old Lorena "Lori" Sandoval. The University of North Texas senior from El Paso had broken up with Kresse.
Kresse in 2009 pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced, by a jury, to 50 years in prison.
The defense appealed over the judge's rulings on witnesses and evidence. An appeals court in April overturned Kresse's prison term and ordered a new sentencing phase.
A different jury on Friday ordered the 99-year prison term for Kresse. His attorney did not immediately comment.
