A 32-year-old man currently in a Colorado prison is being charged with murder in connection with the 2018 disappearance and presumed death of Rita Gutierrez-Garcia.

Juan J. Figueroa, 32, is facing two counts of first-degree murder and a count of second-degree kidnapping, according to District Attorney Michael Dougherty. Figueroa is currently serving a 93-year-to-life prison sentence for a 2017 sexual assault crime.

“We are grateful for this day, it’s a joyous day, I’ve been praying for this day, so God has given this to me, but at the same time it’s heartbreaking, because I still don’t have my daughter,” said Dianne Romero, Rita’s mother during a Friday press conference outside the Boulder County Courthouse.

Charges were brought against Figueroa by the first grand jury to be convened in Boulder County following the COVID-19 pandemic. Jurors relied on statements acquired through a court-authorized wiretap in prison.

Figueroa allegedly told his cellmate that he strangled Gutierrez-Garcia and disposed of her body before returning to the home of his sisters, around 8 a.m. on the morning of March 18, 2018. He’s also allegedly said the “missing woman” called him a “weirdo” which caused him to punch her, knocking her unconscious and he then strangled her, according to court documents.

Two days after the alleged incident, Figueroa fled to Mexico, began asking people for money and “further stated he was in trouble.”

One week later, Figueroa was apprehended while trying to cross to the United States and was informed he had a warrant for his arrest stemming from a sexual assault charge, where he allegedly responded “That’s the only warrant? That’s it …Just sexual assault? … sweet (claps) let’s get this over and done with so I can get my bond, get it posted,” according to court documents.

During the investigation, additional cell phone data has put Figueroa and Gutierrez-Garcia in the same location between shortly before and after 3 a.m. Her phone called 9-1-1 at 3:07 a.m., but hung up, according to court documents.

In addition to the wiretaps and cell phone data, authorities have examined video recordings, financial data, social media, DNA analysis that assisted in the charges being filed, said Dougherty.

The district attorney, who stood alongside Gutierrez-Garcia’s mother and two sisters on Friday, thanked the Longmont Police Department, specifically Detective Cody Clark, for their endless work to bring the family justice.

“It’s because of Detective Clark and his outstanding work on this case that we are here today,” he said.

Officials are still encouraging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Gutierrez-Garcia’s body to come forward. Longmont police are offering a $10,000 reward for information.

And although the family still feels lost, Jessica Reyes, Gutierrez-Garcia’s sister, said that this is just the beginning.

“I just want everyone to not forget Rita and remember her more than anything, and not as a victim,” Reyes said. “She’s not going to be a victim. She’s going to win, we’re going to win.”