MEDFORD, Ore. – A Medford murder trial that began this week ended in an unusual plea deal Friday afternoon.
After nearly thirteen hours of deliberation, with the jury struggling to reach a verdict, the prosecution and defense reached a plea deal, dropping a felony murder charge.
Zachary Carl Helwagen agreed to plead guilty to one count of robbery in the first degree and was sentenced to 90 months in State Prison followed by 3 years of parole.
Helwagen’s accomplice, Hannah Marie Martin, stabbed 31-year-old Brittany Lovrovich in the parking lot of Rumors Lounge on Riverside Avenue back in March 20-22.
She was found guilty this July.
In his statement before sentencing, Helwagen expressed remorse for his actions.
His lawyer said, “This is a compromise and I think Mr. Helwagen is making a wise choice.”
He, from the beginning has expressed remorse for what happened that day.
Judge Laura Cromwell told Helwage, “I do believe you’re guilty of a manslaughter because I do believe that you are responsible for her death.”
The mother of the victim called it a “travesty” that the trial ended this way when addressing the court.
She said she wanted to see Helwagen in prison for life.
She says her daughter was a loving mother, and she is nothing but proud of her.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.