BRIDGEPORT -- Joseph Bennett, 32, of Broadwater, appeared in Morrill County District Court before District Court Judge Andrea Miller Tuesday,May 2, where he pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder.

Sentencing is scheduled for 11 a.m. July 3. He faces a prison term ranging from 20 years to life.

In August 2022, Bennett was arrested for the murder of his father. He was held on charges of First Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm to Commit A felony.

At his August 2022 court appearance in Morrill County, Bennett waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The case was bound over to district court where he was arraigned Sept. 6. 

Court documents state on Aug. 8, Joseph's grandmother called 911 and reported Joseph had shot Rodney. When Morrill County deputies arrived at the grandmother's home, they arrested Joseph. 

According to an arrest affidavit, Joseph told deputies Rodney was drunk and the two were arguing when the shooting occurred. Police say they found a revolver at the scene and two spent shell casings. 

Paramedics transported Rodney to Morrill County Community Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.