2nd Houston-area teen convicted in 'satanic' murder of girl

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Harris County jury has convicted a second Houston-area teenager of murder in the death of a girl who prosecutors say was killed as part of a satanic ritual.

Jurors on Friday found 17-year-old Victor Alas guilty in the February 2014 death of 15-year-old Corriann Cervantes at a vacant apartment southeast of Houston. The conviction carries an automatic life sentence.

Authorities investigated the case as a satanic ritual killing because a cross was carved into Cervantes' abdomen and because of objects found at the scene.

"We have now held the second defendant accountable for a horrific horrible sadistic murder," said prosecutor John Jordan. " And it took 24 jurors, two defendants, to bring us justice today."

Alas' attorneys say they couldn't overcome a videotaped confession he gave to police.

Jose Reyes, then 17, also was convicted and received a life sentence last December. Authorities have said the pair hoped to make a deal with the devil by killing Cervantes.

The victims family was present during both trials. Today they are thankful for justice.

"She was vindicated today," said Cory Cervantes, the victim's father. "I feel justice was done for my daughter, that she finally got her justice served and now she can rest in peace."