FORT COLLINS, Colo.—A man charged with killing a college student in Fort Collins has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder while committing a burglary.
Twenty-nine-year-old Joseph Curl was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without parole after entering his plea. A plea deal spared him the death penalty.
Curl was charge with killing Front Range Community College student Linnea Dick. He was also accused of stealing her car, wallet, checkbook and other items.
Dick was sexually assaulted and strangled in her home in Fort Collins in May.
Firefighters found the 20-year-old’s body when putting out two fires. Authorities say Curl set the fires in hopes of covering up the crime.
Family and friends have said Curl and Dick were acquaintances.
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Information from: Fort Collins Coloradoan,
