Degroat Pleads Guilty in McLaughlin Case | Santa Fe News

One of two men accused in the brutal murder of Army veteran Matthew McLaughlin has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, down from first-degree, after his co-defendant admitted to firing the fatal shots. The victim’s dismembered body was found in plastic bags along a highway, and court docs reveal Degroat was asked to help set up an ambush as McLaughlin brought groceries from his car. His co-defendant, Joiner, remains on track for trial in December. McLaughlin’s mother, while disappointed the plea bypasses a trial, is relieved it eliminates the risk of appeals or mistrials — and insists her son was more than a statistic, recalling his kindness. The Taos DA’s office confirmed negotiations led to the deal, with a formal hearing set for early August — and no word yet on whether Joiner will get a similar offer. Meanwhile, Rebecca McLaughlin keeps her son’s memory alive through a memorial page and a tribute at the discovery site. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5e05f95cc629b8b7