A Hoopeston man facing a new trial on murder charges has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Steven Miller was facing a new trial, but instead pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the September 5th, 2005 shooting death of his wife, Eva.

In April of 2006 Miller was sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. But the Illinois Appellate Court reversed the case and sent it back to Vermilion County for a new trial.

Miller's new trial was set to begin when he decided to plead guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

Circuit Judge Nancy Fahey then sentenced Miller to 20 years in prison on the second-degree murder charge and 25 years on the aggravated battery charge.

The 39-year-old Miller must serve 50-percent of the 20 year sentence for second-degree murder before gaining eligibility for parole. And he must also serve 85-percent of the 25 year sentence for aggravated battery. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Miller was given credit for the 8 years, 5 months and 13 days that he has already served in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

94.1 WGFA