Craig County Man Pleads Guilty, Sentenced To Life For Killing His Mom

A 48-year-old Craig County man will be spending the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty Monday to first degree murder in the death of his 81-year-old mother last year.

Michael Rice was scheduled in a Vinita courtroom for a preliminary hearing, but instead waived his preliminary hearing and agreed to a plea agreement sending him to prison for life without parole.

The Craig County Sheriff's Office says Ruth Rice was found dead in her Welch home on August 4, 2011.

Following his arrest, Michael Rice admitted to killing her. A charge of first degree rape in the case was dropped.

8/29/2011 Related Story: Craig County Man Charged With Killing His Mother