INDEPENDENCE, Mo., Nov. 10 (UPI) -- A former Independence, Mo., pastor was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing a congregation member in a love triangle.
On Wednesday morning, former pastor David Love pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the 2010 death of Randy Stone, The Kansas City (Mo.) Star reported.
Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Robert M. Schieber then sentenced Love to life in prison.
Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said she was pleased with the outcome of the case.
"Justice is served," Baker said. "But justice is served with a life sentence. We cannot bring [Stone] back."
It is still unclear if Stone's wife, Teresa, played any role in the killing of her husband. Teresa Stone, who had a 10-year affair with Love, pleaded not guilty on charges that she helped planned the murder.
Independence police found Randy Stone's body in his office on March 31, 2010. After speaking at Stone's funeral, Love left his church, the New Hope Baptist Church, and moved to South Carolina, where he worked as a truck driver. Police arrested him there in November 2010.
"This is a tremendously difficult case for the family members involved," said Tom Dailey, Independence police chief. "We are glad we are able to bring some closure to it.
"I hope every day he sits in prison for the rest of his life he thinks about the devastation he has brought to all the family members."
