4th defendant in Topeka slaying sentenced

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the 2012 death of a 34-year-old Topeka woman.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Benjamin Anaya was sentenced Friday, ending the cases of three men and one woman charged in the death of Ashley Alcala, who was shot in the head at her Topeka home.

Anaya, of El Paso, Texas, pleaded guilty earlier to conspiracy to commit felony first-degree murder.

Manuel Alcala, the victim’s estranged husband, pleaded guilty earlier to premeditated first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after he serves 25 years. Two of his other relatives are also serving time for their roles in the slaying.

Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal