Saturday, November 19, 2011

Cape Coral, FL: Man pleads guilty to girlfriend's murder

CAPE CORAL, FL -
A 32-year-old man pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of his live-in girlfriend Shannon Sweet in March 2009.

In court, when the state asked Matthew Gullett if he admitted to killing his girlfriend Shannon Sweet by strangling her, he gave a three word answer.

"Yes I do," said Gullett.

In exchange for Gullett's plea of guilty to manslaughter and grand theft charges, he will serve ten years in prison and ten years probation.

The judge held off sentencing so the victim's family could be in the courtroom to address the court and the defendant.

He will be sentenced November 29th.

BACKGROUND:
On March 24 at 10:38 a.m., a Honda traveling west on College Parkway drove across the concrete median into the eastbound lanes and struck a 2004 Lexus.

The Florida Highway Patrol identified the Honda's driver as Matthew Gullett. He was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital, but left before his treatment was complete.

Several days later, on March 30, 2009, neighbors contacted the Cape Coral Police Department about a foul odor coming from Gullett's home, 4921 Coronado Parkway.

Inside, police discovered the body of Shannon Sweet, Gullett's live-in girlfriend.

Gullett then stole a Cadillac from a man getting gas at a local gas station.

The Cadillac was located at a hotel in Muskingum County Ohio several days later, on April 3.

When Gullett left his hotel room, deputies from the Muskingum County Sheriff's Office confronted Gullett. A struggle ensued and Gullett was shot.

Gullett was extradited to Lee County to face second degree murder charges.

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