Lake City man pleads guilty to murder

By KAREN VOYLES

Sun staff writer

A Lake City man pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to first-degree murder in connection with this grandmother’s death.

John Newton Sands III, 31, had been living with his grandmother, Thera Mae Sands, 74, for a few months before she was found dead inside her home in May 2006.

John Sands and other relatives agreed to the plea deal that will allow him to avoid the death penalty, but will send him to prison for the rest of his life, authorities said. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 4.

For more on this story, see Wednesday’s edition of The Sun or check back here at Gainesville.com.