Lawrence man, 67, gets life sentence for killing sick wife

Larry Hopkins, a 67-year-old Lawrence man who told police he killed his wife because of her many health problems, was sentenced Thursday to life in prison.

He will be eligible for parole after 25 years.

Hopkins fatally shot Margaret Hopkins, 61, on Nov. 5 at their Lawrence home. He had pleaded no contest earlier this year to first-degree murder, turning down a plea deal that included lesser offenses.

In court Thursday, Hopkins described the many ailments suffered by his wife of 24 years, including diabetes, multiple strokes and knee replacement surgeries.

Larry Hopkins also had suffered a stroke and had heart problems as well.

This story was originally published May 15, 2014 at 10:37 PM with the headline "Lawrence man, 67, gets life sentence for killing sick wife."