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Otero County Man Pleads Guilty To Murder

A 19-year-old Otero County man faces at least 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree felony murder in the January 2013 killing of a Tularosa woman.

Paul N. Reynolds pleaded guilty in state District Court under an agreement with prosecutors in the killing of 63-year-old Rita Gallegos.

The Alamogordo Daily News reports that Reynolds also pleaded guilty to felony taking of a motor vehicle and to felony tampering with evidence in exchange for dismissal of three other charges.

Reynolds is expected to be sentenced later this year.

According to the plea agreement, Reynolds faces a possible maximum life sentence. He will have to serve 30 years in prison before he's considered eligible for parole.

Reynolds reportedly told investigators he stole Gallegos' vehicle to settle a debt.

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