CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — A South Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison for the drive-by shooting deaths of two girls who were attending a birthday party.

Brendon Gaytan of Corpus Christi was sentenced Friday, a day after being convicted of capital murder. Prosecutors sought the death penalty, but jurors opted for a punishment of life in prison without parole.

Investigators believe a man at the birthday party was the alleged target of last February’s gunfire that sprayed the house. Investigators say 2-year-old Lillyanna Valent and 6-year-old Neveah Oliva were fatally shot.

Gaytan’s half brother, Cruz Salazar, awaits trial on capital murder charges in the case.

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