CORNING, N.Y. (WHCU) – A Corning man will spend at least 25 years in prison for second-degree murder.

WENY-TV reports 28-year-old Brett Heffner pled guilty to killing 26-year-old Keli Collins on August 5, 2022. Heffner was accused of raping and strangling Collins, a neighbor living in the same apartment complex, before stealing her car. He was pulled over by Hornell Police on August 6, 2022, hours after committing the crimes. The District Attorney’s Office says the guilty plea is the best outcome for Collins’ family

In pleading guilty, Heffner waived his right to appeal, guaranteeing 25 years to life in prison. He’ll be sentenced on May 16th in Steuben County Court.