A Lowell, Massachusetts, man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing a volunteer worker at the Lowell homeless shelter where he was staying.
Pericles Clergeau was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole in 15 years after pleading guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the January 2011 death of 34-year-old Jose Roldan.
Authorities say Clergeau, 18 at the time, became angry when he thought Roldan and another staff member were talking about him.
Police say Clergeau stabbed Roldan in the neck, cutting his carotid artery. He died at a Boston hospital.
The now 24-year-old Clergeau apologized in court.
His attorney says Clergeau has had a life-long struggle with mental health issues and with better treatment at a younger age the altercation could have been avoided.
