COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The man accused of killing a New Albany mother by setting her on fire, has pleaded guilty.
Michael Slager made the plea Thursday morning, one day before jury selection was to begin in his capital murder trial.
Slager was charged with Aggravated Murder in the death of Judy Malinowski. In December 2016, he was convicted of Aggravated Arson and Felonious Assault in the case. Malinowski died in June of 2017, after which prosecutors filed murder charges.
On August 2, 2015, Slager poured gasoline on Malinowski and lit her on fire.
Even though her death came some 700 grueling days after she was attacked, a coroner's report found her death was a direct result of her being set on fire.
In December of 2016, Judy shared her frustration with 10tv over a punishment she said couldn't begin to fit the crime.
Asked what sentence would be long enough, she answered, "Life." But prosecutors said for what Slager did, even life isn't enough. They were pursuing the death penalty.
As part of the plea deal, Slager agreed to plead guilty in exchange for the death penalty being taken off the table.
Judge Guy Reece sentenced Slager to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
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