(CENTREVILLE) – Sentence has been handed down to a Three Rivers man for a 2019 murder.

St. Joseph County Circuit Court officials say 34 year old Randall Miller was given a sentence of 20 to 60 years in prison for the murder of 32 year old Lori Norman. Miller plead guilty to a charge of second degree murder in November. He had originally been charged with open murder following his arrest, but agreed to the second degree murder charge as part of a plea deal.

Three Rivers Police were called to Norman's house on Fifth Street on March 25, 2019 after a neighbor called authorities about an unresponsive person. Police and rescue personnel gave aid to Norman, but she died a short time later.

As part of their investigation, officers interviewed several people, including Miller and his children. One of the kids told officers they saw Miller choking Norman and slamming her. They eventually went to their next door neighbor, who called police.

An autopsy was performed and officers were told it was possible Norman died from strangulation. Following an extensive investigation, Miller was arrested in June 2019.

During the sentencing, Miller said he had been drinking and that caused an argument between him and Norman. Miller says he pushed Norman away by the throat and later tried to help her.