Convictions were given this week in Lenoir County Superior Court for three suspects arrested as a result of a 2016 murder investigation conducted by the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office and Pink Hill Police Department.

On Nov. 9, 2016, Gary Spitzer was shot and killed in his home in Pink Hill. The investigation concluded that Spitzer was killed by the mother of an ex-girlfriend. The mother, Phoebe Monroe, traveled from Alabama to kill Spitzer over a child custody issue. Two other suspects, Katey Millican — the ex-girlfriend — and Edward McDonald were also charged during the investigation due to their involvement in the murder.

N.C. Superior Court Judge Craig Croom presided over the pleas given by the defendants charged in this case.

Monroe pleaded guilty to first degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison without parole, admitting her guilt in court for shooting and murder of Spitzer. Millican entered an plea to felony accessory after the fact and received a sentence of 72-99 months. McDonald plead guilty to obstruction of justice for his role in the murder and received a sentence of 18 months.