A Naytahwaush, Minn., man was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for the death of his 14-year-old cousin last year.
Kevin J. Brown Jr., 23, who appeared in Mahnomen County District Court, was given credit for time spent in custody since May 2002.
Brown pleaded guilty earlier this month to second-degree murder, stating he beat Rita Burnette with his fists until she was unconscious and then left her in a wooded area near Naytahwaush.
Burnette's decomposed body was found May 24, 2002. Brown was arrested two days later.
Brown made no statement at Wednesday's sentencing hearing.
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The prosecution reached a plea agreement with Brown after a judge suppressed statements he made to authorities.
He was originally charged with first-degree murder. The counts, which are now dismissed, said Brown caused Burnette's death while committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault.
At his plea hearing July 9, Brown did not admit to sexual assault.
