Plea ends Roswell ax-murder case

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE-KBIM) - A Texas ex-con unexpectedly pleaded no contest Monday to charges he killed a Roswell woman who was trying to help him and cut up her body.

Allen Bruce, 44, used an ax to kill and then dismember Leatha Tidwell, 60, in March after Tidwell criticized his work around her house.

Bruce then put the body parts in boxes in the back of Tidwell's truck and drove to Texas where he was pulled over for speeding.

On Monday during his arraignment Bruce pleaded no-contest to second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, larceny, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

He faces a possible 25 1/2 years in prison.