ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — One of the men accused of killing a volunteer firefighter in December 2013 has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, according to the Rowan County district attorney.
Khari McClelland pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, felony breaking and/or entering, felony larceny after breaking and/or entering, felony larceny of a firearm, felony robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony discharge a firearm into occupied property.
(Pictured: Khari McClelland)
McClelland received life in prison without the possibility of parole for the offense of first-degree murder, the district attorney said.
Marcus "Marco" Kauffman, 25, was shot in the head on Dec. 2, 2013, after he and his pregnant wife were returning home from a Thanksgiving trip when deputies said two men broke into their home.
[ CLICK HERE to read our past coverage ]
Kauffman had been in the hospital fighting for his life since he interrupted a burglary at his home in Rowan County. He died on Dec. 20.
“With this plea, the state of North Carolina is guaranteed that the defendant shall receive life in prison without the possibility of parole plus additional years in prison," Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook said. “Our office has taken into account the family’s wishes on how they would like to see this case resolved. They are the ones that have been most affected by this tragedy and are living the day to day reality of no longer having Marcus in their lives. The disposition today is a direct reflection of our office honoring their wishes.”
McClelland apologized to Marcus Kauffman's widow Maryann Kauffman in court Monday.
She told Channel 9 that the apology meant a lot.
"I want to believe that it was sincere and, looking into his eyes when I told him I forgive him, it felt like it did touch him," she said.
Maryann Kauffman said she holds no anger and attributes that to God's grace.
Three other men arrested in connection with Marcus Kauffman's death have pending cases.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:
- Highway patrol investigating drag racing on I-85
- Woman steals crash victim's wallet, buys beer and cigarettes
- Dallas officer killed in ambush remembered by family in Charlotte
- NC deputy suspended after social media comments on 2 men shot, killed by police
- Florida woman driven from home after snakes start coming out of walls