James Troutman, 25, pleaded guilty Monday morning to the murder of a 9-year-old Souderton girl.
Police say Troutman raped, beat, and strangled Skyler Kauffman on May 9, 2011.
Her body was found in the dumpster of the apartment building, where both Troutman and Kauffman lived.
He later confessed to killing the third grader, wrapping her in a blanket and dumping her body, according to court documents.
Troutman has been in jail since his arrest in May. Prosecutors say they were notified last week that Troutman intended to plead guilty if the death penalty was dropped. There was a gag order for the case which came up for a status hearing on Monday when Troutman pleaded guilty to the crime.
Family members wrote impact statements to the judge. Skyler's grandfather read his letter aloud to the court, thanking prosecutors and defense attorneys for bringing the case to a quick close. A teary-eyed judge thanked him for his comments.
"Without question this is one of the most horrific crimes we've ever seen," said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman. "Life means life. In Pennsylvania he will not be paroled, he will not be released. From our perspective we know that the community will be safe because he will be behind bars."
Troutman's murder conviction comes with mandatory life in prison without parole. He was also given an additional 10 to 22 years for other charges levied against him.
"Justice is served and I'm proud," said Troutman's mother Heather Gebhard. "She can rest in peace now."
