Wife Sentenced in Husband's Death

By: Associated Press

Updated: Wed 5:32 PM, Oct 30, 2002

A 42-year-old woman pleaded guilty to murder in the beating death of her husband, ending a trial that began with a battered-woman defense.

On Monday, Angela Ingram Pope of Bashi accepted a 20-year sentence for killing Shelton Pope. The sentence will require five years in prison and another five years on probation.

Sentencing was set for Dec. 9.

In October 2000, Pope was found on the bedroom floor, bound and smothered with duct tape. Plastic Wal-Mart bags were over his head and he was beaten to death with a barbell. Prosecutors also said the victim had been shocked with a stun gun.

Pope's family released a statement Tuesday, stating the plea agreement allows the family to avoid the trauma of having to go through the trial.

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