One of two defendants has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Kaytlin Root at Krug Park last fall.

Sebastian Dowell, 18, admitted in March to stabbing Root, but denied strangling Root, as asserted by co-defendant Amanda Bennett. Dowell said Bennett knocked the victim on the ground and began strangling her.

Judge Daniel Kellogg sentenced Dowell Thursday on the charge of second-degree murder.  Judge Kellogg said a life sentence was the only appropriate sentence.

Bennett also pleaded guilty in February. She told a judge that the killing was part of what she described as a demonic sacrifice. Bennett’s sentencing is scheduled for next week.

Root was found by a runner near one of the trails at Krug Park on Oct. 16, 2016.