EDINBURG, TEXAS (AP) -- A South Texas man who pleaded guilty to killing an 86-year-old friend during a robbery has been sentenced to life in prison.
Prosecutors in Edinburg say 20-year-old David Tarbutton of Mission pleaded guilty Monday to capital murder in a plea deal.
He could have could have faced the death penalty if convicted of killing World War II veteran Willis Kimmons.
The former Border Patrol agent was found beaten to death in his Mission home on July 12, 2011.
Investigators say Kimmons taught Tarbutton about guns and took him hunting.
Authorities say several weapons were stolen from the victim's residence, including a handgun recovered from Tarbutton when he was arrested.
A co-defendant awaits trial.
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