An upstate New York man has pleaded guilty to strangling his 95-year-old grandmother in what his lawyer says was a "mercy killing."
The Post-Star of Glens Falls reports 50-year-old Kevin Gonyea entered his plea Friday in exchange for a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Gonyea was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Leona Twiss. Police say Gonyea and his 35-year-old wife, Melissa, reported finding Twiss dead in their Fort Ann home in July.
An autopsy determined Twiss was strangled with a towel.
Gonyea's lawyer says Twiss was killed because her dementia had worsened. He says other family members were either aware or involved in the woman's death.
Melissa Gonyea pleaded guilty to charges related to Twiss' death in December.
An investigation is ongoing.
