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Man pleads no contest in death of Bobbie Maples

Posted at 4:42 PM, Aug 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-26 17:19:29-04

MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) — A man charged with murder in the death of a 32-year-old woman whose body was buried under a horse corral has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder.

Ronald Williams' plea was made Friday in Muskegon County's 14th Circuit Court.

A no contest plea isn't an admission of guilt but treated that way for sentencing purposes.

Bobbie Maples disappeared in December 2014, days after giving birth. Her body was found 13 months later near a Fruitland Township barn.

Bobbie Maples

Bobbie Maples

Williams was serving time for a drug-related conviction. He told investigators that he "administered" drugs to Maples and was present when she died.

Williams will be sentenced Oct. 3. Prosecutors say the court agreed to a minimum sentence of 18½ years and a maximum of up to life in prison.