TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A murder suspect has pleaded guilty in the death of a Tucson man.
Tuesday, Blane Barksdale pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Frank Bligh.
In November, Susan Barksdale pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the disappearance of Bligh.
In 2019, a third suspect Brent Mallard pleaded guilty to arson charges in the burning of Bligh’s house.
Bligh disappeared after a fire at his house in 2019, although his body was never found, Tucson Police did find his car. They determined his death as a homicide.
Blane and Susan pawned guns belonging to Bligh.
Tucson Police were prepared to arrest the couple, but they went on the run and later arrested in upstate New York; however, the couple escaped the prisoner transport van that was bringing them back to Tucson to face charges.
It took nearly two weeks for authorities to find and re-arrest them in Northern Arizona.
Blane Barksdale will return for a status conference re-sentencing on January 10.
He is to serve between 19 and 22 years in prison.
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