MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Memphis man accused of letting his elderly mother
die slowly of dehydration has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Prosecutors say 56-year-old Ronald Goodwin continued to make withdrawals
from his 72-year-old mother’s bank account but stopped providing basic care
for her. Her body was found in her home in 2012 amid garbage, insects and
human waste.

Goodwin also pleaded guilty to two counts of theft for taking thousands
out of Jackie Goodwin’s bank accounts. He was sentenced Friday to 20 years
in prison on the murder plea and two consecutive two-year sentences for
theft.

Records show Goodwin had not purchased his mother’s medication in months
and her electricity had been discontinued months before her death in May
2012.