Two men from Independence pleaded guilty Wednesday in Polk County to a charge of kidnapping and murder in the abduction and death of a third Independence man, whose body was found at a rural location on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.



Judge Charles E. Luukinen accepted the guilty pleas of Jimmy Fears, 44, and Zackery Mersch, 24, for their roles in the kidnapping and killing of James Hawkes, Jr., 29. Luukinen sentenced both men to life. Neither will be eligible for parole for 25 years. The sentences came at the conclusion of a two-day settlement conference.



"I am glad both defendants finally accepted responsibility for their roles in this terrible crime without forcing the victim's family through the ordeal of a trial," Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton said in a news release.



Hawkes partially clothed body was found in a wooded area 12 miles south of Dallas, Ore. He had recently been in jail after failing to appear for possession of methamphetamine, authorities said.



Just days later, Fears and Mersch were arrested and charged with aggravated murder, murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a felony crime.



-- The Oregonian