A Sunrise man who murdered his girlfriend and mutilated her body after authorities say she called out the name of her ex-husband during sex will be spending the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to the 2015 killing.
Fidel Lopez, 26, was in a Broward County courtroom Thursday where he pleaded guilty to murder and sexual battery charges in the killing of 31-year-old Maria Nemeth as part of a deal with prosecutors.
His official sentencing was scheduled for August 3, where he'll be given life behind bars without parole. The deal ensures that he'll avoid the death penalty.
Defense attorney Gabe Ermine said he had tried to negotiate for a 50-year prison term but that was rejected by prosecutors.
"Mr. Lopez was very remorseful and as evidenced by what he did today, he took full responsibility, accepts full responsibility, and decided to accept the plea, which is life," Ermine said.
Police said Lopez told officers he became enraged and turned into a "monster" when he killed Nemeth at his apartment on Northwest 128th Drive on September 20, 2015.
Authorities said Lopez told them he had been drinking tequila and they were in a closet having sex when Nemeth twice called out her ex-husband's name.
