BONNERS FERRY — Eric Dante pleaded guilty Dec. 21 to second-degree murder in the shooting death of Jessika Musson.

On May 1 last year, Boundary County Sheriff Dave Kramer had found Dante, 36, on his knees in the middle of the driveway with his hands behind his back. Dante told Kramer there had been a homicide, pointing toward the house at 22 Cedar Court. He told Kramer that his fiance, 38-year-old Musson, was dead from a knife wound.

Boundary County Sheriff Detective David McClelland, along with Bonners Ferry Police officers, found the body of Musson leaning over the foot of a bed. Her head and the surrounding bed covers were covered with blood, with a knife lying next to her.

According to court reports, Dante told McClelland, while handcuffed in the patrol vehicle, that he killed Musson in self defense, claiming that she threatened his family with the Hells Angels. He said he and Musson had been drinking and “got crazy.”

But on further investigation, the cause of death was found to be a gunshot wound to Musson’s head, according to court reports.

On May 2, Dante was formally charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Musson. His bond was set at $1 million.

Kramer said he had mixed feelings about Dante’s plea to second-degree murder, for which he will spend at least five years in prison.

“At least this may bring some closure to the family, and I hope that they can move on,” said Kramer. “We can’t do anything to bring her back, but at least they won’t be going through a trial. There are consequences for the actions that were committed.

“It is a tragedy that we lost such a young life senselessly. Not only the loss of Jessica’s life, but also all the friends and family members that it has an impact on.”

Dante’s sentencing will take place on March 8 at 10 a.m. at the Boundary County Courthouse.