On July 9 Michael Jason Scharpf Breer, 20, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for beating his friend, Justin Morris, to death with a frying pan. Breer pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree minutes before his trial was to begin.

On July 10, 2013, Breer called one of his friends and told him that he had killed Morris. When the friend arrived at Breer’s house, he saw a large amount of blood, and a body wrapped in a blanket with a garbage bag over the head. Breer told the friend he “went through two frying pans” while beating Morris, and he asked for help disposing of the body. The friend left and called police three days later to report what he saw.

Deputies contacted Breer and he told them “something” happened at his house between him and Morris. A search of Breer’s residence revealed blood spatter and blood stains consistent with the description provided by Breer’s friend. A search of Breer’s vehicle revealed a garbage bag containing bloody clothing, Morris’ wallet and identification, a shovel and a gas can. Deputies also recovered two iron skillets with broken handles and a golf club with blood and hair stuck on its face. The blood was a match to Morris’ DNA. Deputies were unable to locate Morris’ body.

On July 7, 2015, Breer led deputies through a wooded area of South Hill to the spot where he had dumped Morris’ body. Deputies were able to recover Morris’ bones, which were wrapped in a sheet.

“This guilty plea and the recovery of the body provided justice and closure for the victim’s family and the community” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.