(ABC 6 News) – A Britt man was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

The sentencing for Monte Wayne Eckels, 58, came Oct. 30 by Judge Gregg R. Rosenbladt.

(ABC 6 News) – A Britt man pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Monday, October 14.

Monte Wayne Eckels, now 58, pleaded not guilty to stabbing Leallen Bergman from Ventura to death last year.

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Eckels’ plea agreement states that if the court agrees, he will be sentenced to a maximum of 50 years in prison and must pay $150,000 to the victim’s estate.

The defendant must serve at least 70 percent of the sentence imposed before being eligible for parole, the document states.

Eckels’ plea hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on October 29.

TO GoFundMe was created in 2023 for the Bergman family.