ROLLA, Mo. (AP) — A Rolla man was sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole after pleading guilty in the fatal shooting of a Phelps County man.

Sixty-one-year-old David Earl Lundin pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Monday, when his trial was scheduled to start. Several lesser felony charges were dropped. Phelps County Prosecutor John Beger said in a news release that he intended to seek the death penalty if Lundin had not pleaded guilty.

The Rolla Daily News reports  Lundin shot 57-year-old Richard Finnell in March at a home just outside Rolla. He led officers from several agencies on a three-hour manhunt before he was arrested.

Court records indicated that Lundin was waiting for Finnell and a friend when they returned to the house. After a confrontation, Lundin shot Finnell.