The trial chamber presided by Judge Vladimir Zivaljic came to a conclusion that the prosecution failed to corroborate its claims that this was murder in the first degree, which was why the court convicted the defendant of second-degree murder, delivering a maximum penalty of 15 years in such case.

The trial chamber decided to extend Misic's detention in custody.

The victims' brother, who attended today's sentence-delivering hearing, burst into tears while listening to the judge's explanation of the verdict.

Mexican consul in Split, Marin Bosotina, said, after the verdict was handed down, that he did not want to comment on the court's decisions.

"Croatia is an independent country in which courts and their decisions are respected," he said adding that he was satisfied with the course of the investigation and the support offered to the victim's family during the trial.

The prosecution, dissatisfied with the first-instance ruling, insisted that the murder had been exceptionally cruel.

"As soon as we receive the ruling in writing we will, submit an appeal, " prosecutor Julijana Stipisic said.

Defence lawyer Frane Gorjan said that he would discuss with his client further steps after they received the ruling in writing.

The victim Selene Graciano Macedo was brutally murdered on 22 August 2012 on Marjan Hill overlooking Split.

In their closing statement, the prosecution asked for the maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, while Misic's defence said he should be acquitted or the charges against him should be milder.

Evidence showed that Macedo died a violent death, according to the prosecution's explanation. Although all evidence pointed to him, Misic pleaded not guilty.

The victim's body was found three days after the murder. The Mexican tourist was ambushed by the killer while she was walking on the hill. He taped her mouth and bound her arms, took off her clothes, and made a cut on her neck. The victim bled to the death. After that, Misic covered her corpse with earth, branches and stones.