A Christian County man pled guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in a year and a half old case that occurred in Pana.

Kevin M. Thornton was originally charged with five counts of first degree murder in the stabbing death of John A. Burkett on December 9, 2006. The incident happened in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

Thornton and Burkett were both U.S. Army soldiers stationed at a military base in Germany. Thornton was deployed to Iraq while Burkett remained stationed in Germany where Thornton’s wife Sarah was also staying. He and Sarah Thornton were reportedly having an affair while Thornton was in Iraq.

In December 2006 Thornton returned home to Pana on leave. Burkett, a resident of Anderson, S.C., had also come to Pana and was staying at Sarah Thornton’s sister’s home. Thornton, his wife and children went to the Pana Wal-Mart on December 9. Burkett and Sarah Thornton’s sister were there also. A coincidental meeting of the two men in the parking lot led to the fight and the resulting death.

Thornton was arrested at the scene and held in the Christian County Detention Center on $3 million bond.

During the past 18 months Thornton had undergone psychiatric evaluation for mental fitness.Springfield psychiatrist Dr. Terry Killian has diagnosed Thornton with post traumatic stress disorder at the time of the incident but concluded that Thornton was fit to stand trial.

Also presented into evidence were a CD from MySpace.com and records from laptop computers owned by Thornton and Burkett, and documentation of charges of rape against Burkett and a no contact order filed by Sarah Thornton.

“Second Degree Murder is defined as committing First Degree Murder with the presence of mitigating facts. In this case, the Defendant exploded in an emotional rage based upon the love triangle and the history of threats by each man to the other,” said Christian County States’ Attorney Tom Finks.

“We presented this case to a mock jury of 20 people from across the county. We presented all facts and arguments, both for the prosecution and the defense, and answered all of their questions. This mock jury voted 20-0 in favor of Second Degree Murder. This clearly told us what the public view of the proper result should be,” said Finks.

A sentencing hearing is set for September 16 before Circuit Judge Ronald Spears.