Minnesota Man Gets 35 Years In Ex-Girlfriend Ambush Killing

VIRGINIA, Minn. (AP) - A judge has sentenced a northeastern Minnesota man to 35 years in prison for the ambush slaying of his ex-girlfriend outside the Aurora American Legion.

Fifty-two-year-old John Plevell was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Julie Hildreth. Hildreth was gunned down as she left the club with her new boyfriend in 2015.

The St. Louis County Attorney's Office says the judge determined that Plevell deserved a sentence longer than recommended under state guidelines because he ambushed Hildreth and ignored a no-contact order.

Plevell apologized in court and asked for forgiveness.

Hildreth's sister and daughters were at the sentencing. Her oldest daughter, Jessica Harris Bennett says, they will finally have "a little peace of mind."