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SALT LAKE CITY -- Just ahead of his murder trial, Bernard Frank Rigby has struck a plea deal.
Court records show that Rigby, 65, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree felony manslaughter in the 1990 slaying of Gary Feltch. Rigby acknowledged that he killed the man, believing Feltch was a rival for the affections of Rigby's girlfriend, the Deseret News reported.
Rigby was scheduled to go on trial Monday. Rigby initially was charged with first-degree felony murder, but Salt Lake County prosecutors said they agreed to a plea deal in part because of Rigby's failing health. He has suffered from cancer, a stroke, uses a wheelchair and can communicate only with a mechanical voice box.
The victim's family approved of the plea bargain, deputy Salt Lake County District Attorney Alicia Cook told the Deseret News.
Rigby is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 19.
