Killer sentenced in Jorelys Rivera case

Metro Atlanta

Photos: An apartment maintenance worker pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the murder and molestation of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera as her mother sobbed quietly.

Jocelyn Rivera cries as Ryan Brunn describes how he killed her daughter, Jorelys, before he pleaded guilty Tuesday to the 7-year-old's murder.

Ryan Brunn enters Superior Court at the Cherokee County Justice Center in Canton to plead guilty to abducting, assaulting and slaying 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera.

Ryan Brunn said he cut the little girl's throat after luring her into an empty apartment, sexually molesting her and then panicking that she would tell on him.

Ryan Brunn (center) pled guilty to abducting, assaulting and slaying 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera before Superior Court Judge Frank Mills at the Cherokee County Justice Center in Canton on Jan 17, 2012.

Jocelyn Rivera keeps her eyes on 20-year-old maintenance worker Ryan Brunn as she enters the courtroom on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012.

Jorelys' mother, who quietly sobbed during the hearing, said she agreed with the decision to accept the negotiated plea deal.

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Jocelyn Rivera cries as Ryan Brunn describes how he killed her daughter, Jorelys, before he pleaded guilty Tuesday to the 7-year-old's murder.

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