Prosecutors in New York are expected to sentence the killer of an eight-year-old Charedi boy to life behind bars.

Levi Aron, who pleaded guilty earlier this month to murdering and dismembering Leiby Kletzky in Brooklyn last summer, will be given his sentence later today.

Aron, who admitted to drugging and smothering the boy as he made his way home from summer camp, is likely to face between 40 years and life.

He will be sentenced in Brooklyn state court today.

The discovery of Leiby's body parts in two places in Boro Park, including at Aron's home, sent shockwaves around the Brooklyn Charedi community and thousands lined the streets for his funeral.

Despite his lawyer's efforts, it was declared that Aron was competent to stand trial after a psychological exam.