William Michael Rowe faced charges for the murder of J.L. Shadwrick this week in Etowah County Circuit Court, but two families were closely watching the proceedings.
Rowe was indicted in 2017 for the Aug. 15, 2016, slaying of Shadwrick, 64. He already was behind bars after his arrest earlier in the year for the February 2014 death of Gary L. Stokes — an arrest that came about three years after Stokes' was found stabbed on his front porch.
Rowe pleaded guilty to both crimes, as well as a charge of burglarizing Shadwrick’s vehicle.
Etowah County Assistant District Attorney Marcus Reid said Rowe was sentenced on Monday by Circuit Judge Cody Robinson. He agreed to sentences of 40 years on each murder charge, which will be served concurrently.