A Panhandle man who killed his father last August has been sentenced to 20-to-30 years in prison.
     32-year old Joseph Bennett of Broadwater had faced up to life in prison after pleading guilty in May to a single count of 2nd-degree murder in the shooting death of 57-year old Rodney Bennett. He was credited with 330 days already served.
Joseph Bennett was originally charged with 1st-degree murder, but accepted a plea agreement after he was found competent to stand trial.
Court documents show Bennett shot his father during a family dispute August 8th at Bennett’s grandmother’s home in the Broadwater area, with the grandmother calling 911 about 6:30 in the afternoon to report the shooting.
Morrill County Sheriff’s deputies responded, found Rodney Bennett dead, and took Joseph Bennett into custody.
An arrest affidavit says Joseph Bennett told deputies his father was drunk and that they were arguing when the shooting occurred. Authorities found a revolver at the scene and 2 spent shell casings.