(KLZA)-- More than nine years after the disappearance of Peru  State College student Tyler Thomas, Joshua Keadle has been sentenced for her murder.

The 38-year-old Keadle was sentenced to a period of 71 years to life in prison for the  murder of the 19-year-old Omaha girl.  Both were students at Peru State at the time of Thomas' disappearance.

Keadle was found guilty of second degree murder this past February by a Gage County District Court Jury.

Thomas disappeared after leaving a party near the Peru State campus December 3, 2010.  Keadle admitted to having been with Thomas near a boat dock and leaving her there.  Thomas' body has never been recovered.  A death certificate for Thomas was issued by the state in 2013.

Keadle will be eligible for parole in 35 years. He is currently serving a 15 – 20 year sentenced for the rape of a 15-year-old Dodge County girl.