SANDPOINT — A Bonner County woman accused of bludgeoning her boyfriend to death last fall pleaded guilty Tuesday to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter.

The state has agreed to recommend a five- to 15-year sentence in Linda Provo-Buxton’s case, while the defense will be free to recommend a four- to 10-year term. The agreement, if adopted by the court, essentially guarantees a sentence within those ranges.

If a district judge declines to adopt the sentencing terms, Provo-Buxton would be free to withdraw her plea and proceed to trial. A sentencing hearing date is pending.

Provo-Buxton, 54, is accused of killing her boyfriend inside their residence on West Spring Creek Road near Hope on Oct. 15, 2016. Jeffrey Newton, 57, died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Provo-Buxton was originally charged with second-degree murder. The state alleged that Newton’s slaying was done with malice aforethought but without premeditation.

The amended charge alleges Newton was unlawfully killed amid a sudden quarrel, but without malice aforethought or premeditation, according to court documents.

A provision in the agreement requires Provo-Buxton to conduct a reenactment of Newton’s killing for investigators and answer any questions they have about the incident. Provo will be granted immunity from further prosecution if additional crimes are uncovered during the investigation, the plea agreement states.

Provo-Buxton, meanwhile, will be free to bring up her past as a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Newton. At the time of his killing, Newton was awaiting trial on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge and a no-contact order was in place to protect Provo-Buxton, court documents indicate.

Provo-Buxton is being held at the Bonner County Jail with bail set at $250,000.