STUDIO CITYOn May 2,1 a three-justice panel at an appeals court upheld convictions against a man for stabbing and killing his girlfriend.

Stephen Todd Joanou Jr. was convicted for stabbing his girlfriend, Patrina Sabella, 19 times in South Weddington Park. Joanou was sentenced to 26 years to life in prision after being found guilty of first degree murder in 2014.

The suspect appealed the decision, taking the case to California’s 2nd District Court of Appeals. He argued there was insufficient evidence proving he committed the murder. The court rejected Joanou’s appeal and found him guilty of murdering Sabella in 2012.