(SIOUX CITY, IA) - A Sioux City man accused of murdering a sleeping man with a crowbar and nearly killing a woman pleaded guilty on Tuesday. James Kroll Junior has been in jail since June 13 after police found Jeffery Moravek dead and his girlfriend Mary Tope severely injured.
Kroll had the right to a speedy trial and even pleaded not guilty back in July to charges of first degree murder, attempted murder and first degree burglary. But it seems he had a change of heart and instead pleaded guilty to second degree murder and attempted murder.
Family members sobbed in court as James Kroll Junior answered questions about beating 54-year-old Jeffery Moravek to death and severely hurting Moravek's girlfriend, 54-year-old Mary Tope.
"On the 13th day of June, 2012, did you strike Jeffery Moravek with an iron bar described as crowbar or a tire iron type instrument?" asked Woodbury County Judge, Duane Hoffmeyer.
"Yes," responded Kroll.
"How then do you plead to the amended count number one charging you with murder in the second degree committed on the 13th day of June 2012 in Woodbury County, Iowa involving Jeffery Moravek?" asked Hoffmeyer.
"I plead guilty," said Kroll.
For the 2nd degree murder charge, Judge Hoffmeyer said the maximum sentence is 50 years.
"How do you plead to count number two charging you with attempted murder committed on June 13th, 2012 in Woodbury County, Iowa and involving Mary Tope?" asked Hoffmeyer.
"I plead guilty," responded Kroll.
For the second charge of attempted murder, it's 25 years. Whatever the outcome, Kroll has to serve both sentences consecutively and must serve 70 percent before he's eligible for parole.
As for 54-year-old Mary Tope, a friend of one of the families told Siouxland News she's still recovering in Sioux City.
Kroll's sentencing is on February 7 at 3 p.m. If the judge hands down the maximum sentence, Kroll will be well into his 70's before he's eligible for parole.
The judge also told Kroll he's responsible for paying 150-thousand dollars in restitution to the estate of Jeffery Moravek as well as health costs for Mary Tope and court costs to the state of Iowa.
