TUCSON (KVOA) – More than ten years have passed since Isabel Celis disappeared from her residence, marking a tragic chapter in the family’s history. Finally, justice has been served for the Celis family as closure is sought.
Isabel, a young girl of six years, went missing from her parental home back in 2012. The unsettling discovery of her remains in a desert area north of Tucson occurred five years later. This grim revelation followed the tragic fate of 13-year-old Maribel Gonzalez, who vanished in 2014 while en route to a friend’s house, only to be found deceased in the same vicinity.
Christopher Clements played a pivotal role in leading the FBI, Tucson Police, and Pima County Sheriff’s deputies to the area where these heartbreaking events unfolded. Today, Christopher Clements, the individual convicted of the heinous crimes involving the killings and abductions of both young girls, received an additional life sentence, ensuring his incarceration until his last breath.
The courtroom atmosphere was laden with raw emotion and sorrow as the parents directly addressed Judge Marner, opting not to be filmed during their statements. Becky Celis, holding back tears, expressed, “He has hurt many, many little ones, including my baby girl Isabel. No punishment in this world will ever suffice for the immense pain and suffering he has inflicted. There is a higher power that balances the scales of justice in ways no one can evade.”
During the sentencing, the camera focused solely on Christopher Clements from behind, obscuring his reactions to the poignant words spoken. Following Becky’s address, Sergio, Isabel’s father, shared his profound remorse, stating, “We all bear the burden of this unending, inescapable nightmare. I will forever carry the weight of not fulfilling my duty to protect my little girl from the malevolence that lurked outside her window.”
Clements also seized the opportunity to address the court, drawing a controversial parallel between Judge James Marner’s courtroom and Stalin’s infamous show trials, asserting his innocence despite the overwhelming consensus against him.
In response to these remarks, defense attorney Eric Kessler expressed disapproval, labeling the statements as emotionally charged and potent. The prosecutor acknowledged Clements’ right to allocute, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
The defense intends to challenge the life sentence handed down by the judge, seeking an appeal to the decision. This sentence is to be served consecutively with the existing life term Clements is serving for the death of Maribel Gonzales.