Man sentenced to life in prison in NC stabbing

RALEIGH — A Fayetteville man has been sentenced to life in prison for the stabbing death of a Raleigh woman last year.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that 26-year-old Mwanza Bennett pleaded guilty Monday in the death of 29-year-old Lorrielle Watkins at her apartment in May 2007.

Wake County prosecutors initially said they would seek a death sentence in the case.

Prosecutors say Watkins was stabbed 24 times with a knife and had 204 puncture wounds from an ice pick.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Lindlow says Watkins had broken off a relationship with Bennett and was dedicated to her son, Malik, who has severe autism. Watkins had met Bennett when she was stationed at Fort Bragg and in Germany while serving in the Army.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)