ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) -- An Ardmore man has pleaded guilty to the 2019 murder of Marty Lucas.
Prosecutors said Jack Latham killed Lucas, who was 63.
"You would never see him without a smile on his face," said daughter-in-law Brittany Lucas. "We don't get to see that anymore."
Marty Lucas is remembered by his family for many things. Brittany recalls him always wearing his Sherwin-Williams Paint shirts and eating Indian tacos. But above all else, she says he'll be remembered as a loving and caring man, willing to give a second chance to anyone.
"He loved his family with all of his heart," she said. "There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for anyone."
Almost one year after the crime, Jack Latham pleaded guilty to second degree murder. The 54-year-old now faces 25 years in prison and 20 years of probation.
The original charge was first degree murder, but according to court documents, Latham agreed to plead guilty to a reduced charge. Carter County District Attorney Craig Ladd said he and Lucas' family were concerned a jury might not see Latham's actions as premeditated, which is typically found in first degree cases.
Brittany Lucas said the she and her family are carrying on Marty's legacy by helping others in Ardmore, just like he did.
"It didn't matter who you were, or where you came from… he'd help you. And so we all help each other, we help everyone," she said. "I want to give back to my community just because of the person he was."
