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SALT LAKE CITY -- The man accused of shooting and killing a young mother at Jordanelle State Park has struck a plea deal.
Christopher Alvey pleaded guilty to aggravated murder as part of an agreement with prosecutors that he'll provide details about the December shooting of Ashley Sparks, as well as testify in other proceedings.
In exchange, a weapons-enhancement charge will be dropped. Alvey still could face life in prison without parole when a judge sentences him in June.
Two other men, Jason Cowdell and Joshua Binkerd are also considered suspects in the shooting, but Alvey is accused of pulling the trigger.
Sparks, 21, was found shot four times and barely clinging to life at the visitor's center at Jordanelle State Park the day after Christmas 2008. She later died at a hospital.
Sparks' mother told KSL after the shooting that her daughter was involved in drugs but wanted to turn her life around. She believes retaliation was the motive for the shooting.
