A 41-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his ex-fiance to death back in September of 2024 pleaded guilty Friday to the crime, but also that mental illness played a role.

Police said Joel Barnett killed 40-year-old Michelle Hanson in a home at the corner of East 9th and Wayne streets last September.

Barnett's lawyer, Bruce Sandmeyer, told JET 24/FOX 66 reporter Matt Mathias that Barnett went before Judge David Ridge for a guilty plea on Friday.

He was charged in 2024 with first-degree murder. On Friday, he pleaded guilty but mentally ill to third-degree murder as Barnett allegedly has a history of mental health concerns.

Attorney Sandmeyer said his recommended sentence is 25-40 years behind bars.

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