HICKORY, N.C. — A man charged with the deadly assault of his girlfriend will spend decades in prison after pleading guilty to murder.
Eddie Propst, 37, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on Tuesday for the death of Laura Matthews. A judge gave him a prison sentence of 26-32 years for the crime.
Matthews was found dead on May 8, 2022 at a home on 8th Avenue in Hickory. Police said she was beaten to death.
Propst told officers with the Hickory Police Department that Matthews was not breathing and was prone to seizures. She was found beaten and dead on a bedroom floor. He told police she was assaulted when he was not at the home.
Police charged Propst with murder. He was given no bond after his arrest.
Propst's case continued on until Tuesday when he pleaded guilty.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
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