17-year-old Mexican to be sentenced for killing Border Patrol agent

Sentencing set in killing of Border Patrol agent

SAN DIEGO — A 17-year-old boy faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when is sentenced for killing a Border Patrol agent in a rugged, remote area east of San Diego.

Christian Daniel Castro Alvarez is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday for murdering a federal officer. He pleaded guilty in November to killing Agent Robert Rosas near the town of Campo.

The 30-year-old Border Patrol agent was shot eight times in the head, neck and torso on the night of July 23, 2009. A court document says he was shot repeatedly from behind and while he was lying on the ground.

Castro says he and others killed Rosas in an attempted robbery.

Prosecutors recommend 40 years in prison.