Michigan Woman Takes Plea Deal, Admits Guilt In Husband's Murder
PETOSKEY, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A northern Michigan woman has pleaded guilty to murdering her husband, accepting a deal with prosecutors that spares her the possibility of life in prison without parole.
Emmet County Prosecutor Jim Linderman and Sheriff Pete Wallin say that 59-year-old Carol Kopenkoskey made the plea Wednesday in circuit court in Petoskey.
She was originally charged with first-degree murder in the October 2012 shooting of 58-year-old Lyle Kopenkoskey.
Her guilty plea to second-degree murder means she could get up to life in prison but would be eligible for parole.
Lyle Kopenkoskey's body was found near his pickup truck in Emmet County's Resort Township, northeast of Traverse City. His family reported him missing after he failed to report to work or return home. An affidavit said police found books about murder, cleaning up crime scenes, forensics and poisons.
According to court records, Kopenkoskey admitted that she took her husband out for a drive and shot him five times with an unregistered .38 revolves. According to court records, Kopenkoskey said she'd told her business partner, a man she had a three-to-four year affair with, about the murder — but claims said no one else played a role in the killing.
In exchange for her plea, Kopenkoskey will face up to 18 years in prison. Also a part of the deal, Kopenkoskey has agreed to testify against any co-defendants.
She remains held in the Emmet County jail. Sentencing is set for Feb. 25.
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