A man in the United States illegally has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in aiding in the attempted escape of a man who now stands charged with the murder of Corporal Ronil Singh during a 2018 traffic stop.

According to KCRA-TV, the man—identified as 28-year-old Erik Quiroz Razo—had faced up to five years in prison for helping Paulo Virgen Mendoza make his way to his native Mexico. Another accomplice—Mendoza's brother, Conrado Virgen Mendoza—has also been convicted of aiding and abetting and awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott in a statement said that Quiroz Razo is a convicted felon and previously deported immigrant who "played a critical role in helping a man accused of killing a police officer to elude apprehension."

Authorities say Paulo Virgen Mendoza shot Corporal Singh shortly after the officer pulled him over on suspicion of driving under the influence.