Overview
- James Barnes-Morris entered the plea in Dane County court as prosecutors dismissed a first-degree intentional homicide charge under a deal.
- The case had been scheduled for a January 2026 trial before the agreement ended the need for jury proceedings.
- According to the criminal complaint, Barnes-Morris made remarks about "getting rid of her" and referenced lilies, bricks and rope at a gathering.
- Police arrested him after finding him hiding at a friend's apartment and recovered a suitcase with Strattan’s phone and credit cards.
- He faces up to 60 years in prison at sentencing, according to reporting, and Strattan’s family voiced relief and donated to a local domestic-violence service in her honor.