Michael West/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office  

 

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man charged in the 2023 beating death of his father has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, Michael West pleaded guilty Monday in Jefferson County District Court to first-degree murder, canceling a jury trial that had been scheduled for this week.

Under the agreement, both sides will recommend a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years, often referred to as a “Hard 25.” Prosecutors have also agreed not to seek a harsher sentence, and West will receive credit for time already served.

Sentencing is set for June 11th.

Prosecutors say West attacked his 59-year-old father, Michael J. West, with a hammer on September 9th, 2023, at their rural Ozawkie home.

The elder West died two days later at a Topeka hospital after being removed from life support.

Michael West remains in the Jefferson County Jail on a one-million-dollar bond.