Son Pleads Guilty To Murder

SEATTLE - A cocaine addict who told Seattle Police he killed his 65-year-old mother so he could steal her money and buy drugs has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Daniel James Murray faces a minimum of 20 years in prison in the fatal stabbing of Connie Murray in bed at her North Seattle home last April 6.

King County prosecutors say they will seek the maximum term of almost 27 years when Murray is sentenced in about six weeks.

He was first charged with aggravated first-degree murder, which carries either life imprisonment or the death penalty, but prosecutors reduced the charge in return for yesterday's plea.

Daniel Murray, who was 39 when he was charged with the crime, had been living with his mother and had a serious drug and alcohol problem. He was arrested at an Edmonds motel later that night when his mother's car was seen outside.