ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- One of the four men involved in the brutal torture and murder case, that happened in Elmira in 2021, was sentenced on Friday. 

Eddie Marte was the so-called “ringleader” in the 2021 kidnapping and murder of Juan Jose Gotay. In January of 2021, Gotay was tortured at various locations in Elmira, before his body was found bound and mutilated months later in Potter County, Pennsylvania.  

District Attorney Weeden Wetmore said Marte was the one calling the shots out of the four men charged in Gotay’s case. He was convicted in March of First Degree murder and First Degree kidnapping.  

Today, the judge sentenced him to 20 years to life for the kidnapping, and life in prison for murder without parole. As Marte was led in handcuffs out of the courthouse, he could be seen smiling while waiting to get back in the transport van.  

There are three others involved in Gotay’s murder, Thomas Bovaird, Malik Weems, and Kavon Sanders. Sanders has already received his sentence. In the meantime, now that Marte is headed to prison, Bovaird and Weems’ sentencing will follow.  

All three pleaded guilty to lesser charges for their roles in Gotay’s death.  

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