JACKSONVILLE, North Carolina (AP) — Derrick Bennett, an Onslow County man, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to the murder of his sister-in-law in 2020.

Bennett was indicted after killing Christy Godette on June 4, 2019. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges in Onslow County Superior Court.

According to Chief Assistant District Attorney Mike Maultsby, Bennett stabbed Godette to death at the Patriot Place Mobile Home Park in Hubert. The incident occurred while Godette’s three children were present in the home. During the investigation, Bennett claimed that he acted in self-defense, alleging that a gang was after him. He also admitted to stabbing Godette.

Bennett’s lawyer cited mental health issues, with a doctor evaluating him and concluding that it was a manic episode.

Following his guilty plea, Bennett was sentenced to serve 20-25 years in prison.

District Attorney Ernie Lee expressed his sentiments, stating, “I’ve been doing this for a very long time. And I can tell you never get used to it. Because behind every single murder case, beside everyone, and I’ve done 148 of them myself personally. That means there’s 148 victims out there, 148 victims’ families, and 148 groups of people that have been affected.”

During the court proceedings, Godette’s mother addressed Bennett, offering forgiveness and expressing that despite her daughter’s absence, she is raising her three grandchildren who remind her of Christy. Lee also mentioned that there are 18 pending murder cases in Onslow County that his office is currently working on to bring to a close.