CONWAY -- A Clinton man pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of first-degree murder in the beating death last year of a Vilonia resident.
Travis Watson, 44, entered the plea Monday in Faulkner County Circuit Court in the June death of James "Buddy" Land, 49. Authorities said Land's body was found June 9 in the town of Holland.
Watson was initially charged with capital murder, but the charge was amended to first-degree murder. Watson also was charged with having a firearm in his possession. That charge was dropped before the plea.
Judge Charles Clawson Jr. sentenced Watson to 40 years in prison.
In Arkansas, first-degree murder is punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison. Capital murder is punishable by death or life in prison without parole.
State Desk on 05/18/2016