HELPER — A Helper man pleaded guilty Monday to killing his mother in January 2024.

Matthew Frank Juliano, 41, was charged in 7th District Court in January 2024 with murder and shooting at another person causing injury, first-degree felonies; and drug possession, a class A misdemeanor.

Juliano admitted to shooting and killing his mother, Karon Louise Barker-Griffin, 64, in her bedroom at 40 Garden Street, according to a plea statement filed Monday.

The felony firearm charge was dismissed in exchange for him pleading guilty to murder, drug possession and a separate misdemeanor charge of assaulting a fellow inmate in July this year. The prosecution said it would recommend Juliano be given credit for time served for the drug charge, the plea agreement said.

Juliano faces 15 years to life

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