NJ Man Sentenced For Fatally Stabbing Fiancee In Their Home

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) — A man who admitted stabbing his fiancee to death in their southern New Jersey home has been sentenced to 24 years in state prison.

Darrin Plumlee will have to serve nearly 21 years before he becomes eligible for parole.

The 45-year-old Folsom man had pleaded guilty last month to aggravated manslaughter in the April 2013 death of 30-year-old Merry Abernathy. The plea came just days before his murder trial was due to start.

Authorities have said the killing occurred as the couple talked about ending their relationship, and as their toddler daughter slept in another room.

Abernathy was pronounced dead from multiple stab wounds. Plumlee was arrested at the home and was treated at a hospital for what authorities say were self-inflicted superficial cuts to his wrist and neck.

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