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Oswego Man Gets Probation For Villalpando Murder Coverup

ST. CHARLES, Ill. (STMW) -- Originally charged with helping conceal the murder of 18-year-old Abigail Villalpando of Aurora, a 22-year-old Oswego man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a lesser charge.

Jose Becerra, 22, pleaded guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, and was sentenced to 18 months of probation for his part of the crime.

He was accused of helping his friend, Juan Garnica, dispose of the burned remains of Villalpando, following her 2013 death.

Garnica pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison for beating the young waitress over the head with a hammer and killing her. He has been in jail since his February 2013 arrest.

Two other men, Becerra, and co-defendant Enrique Prado, were both charged with concealing a homicide for allegedly helping Garnica burn and dispose of the woman's body in a Montgomery field following her death.

On Tuesday, Becerra agreed to plead guilty to attempted obstruction of justice, in exchange for his sentence of probation.

He will be on probation until Jan. 1, 2016.

Prado's case is still active. His next hearing is scheduled for July 17.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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