BENNINGTON, Vt.—A 42-year-old Shaftsbury man is expected to plead guilty this week in the death of his former brother-in-law.
A change of plea hearing is set for Friday for Michael Christmas, who is accused of killing Ronald Wilkins in August of 2007, as well as several counts of sexual assault on children.
Bennington County State's Attorney Erica Marthage says she expects Christmas will plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder and three counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Marthage says she'll ask for a minimum sentence of 35 years for Christmas.
Authorities say a long-running feud came to a head when Wilkins was sitting on a porch and Christmas rode up on a bicycle and shot him five or more times.
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Information from: Bennington Banner, http://www.benningtonbanner.com
