Guilty plea entered in Colorado pot candy killing case

He faces 25 to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 7.

Associated Press

Feb. 03, 2017, 12:20 p.m.

By Colleen Slevin, Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — A Colorado man accused of killing his wife after eating marijuana-infused candy has pleaded guilty.

Richard Kirk pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday in the April 2014 shooting death of Kristine Kirk.

He faces 25 to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced on April 7.

Kirk’s defense attorneys have suggested that the marijuana-infused candy may have been a factor in his actions. In a 911 call before her death, Kristine Kirk described his erratic behavior.

District attorney Beth McCann declined to answer questions about what role marijuana may have played in the killing.

She said the judge would hear testimony about what happened during sentencing.

Under the plea agreement, Kristine Kirk’s parents will adopt the couple’s three children.

Kirk remains in custody. His defense attorney declined comment.

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