KALKASKA COUNTY — A man from Mancelona has pleaded no contest to a charge of second degree murder.
Richard Gault made that plea Tuesday right before starting what would have been a seven day jury trial in Kalkaska County.
A no contest plea means he’s not admitting to the crime, but accepting the punishment.
Gault was charged for the October 2023 killing of Jessica Scott.
EMS were called to her Kalkaska County home and said they found her in medical distress.
Scott died of her injuries after telling hospital staff she was the victim of a domestic assault.
Gault was identified as the suspect and after a three day search, he was arrested and charged with second degree murder, two counts of weapons possession by a felon and habitual offender, third offense.
Gault’s sentencing on the second degree murder charge will happen sometime in June.