Sentencing set for man who pleaded guilty in husband's death

Craig Crawford pleaded guilty to murder and arson charges Tuesday. File photo.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man is set to be sentenced in the death of his restaurateur-husband following a three-day hearing on whether he should have a chance at parole one day.

A judge will hear arguments in August on whether Craig Crawford's expected life sentence will carry the possibility of parole. The hearing is set to begin Aug. 28.

He pleaded guilty to murder and arson charges Tuesday in the death of well-known Salt Lake City restaurateur and LGBT pioneer John Williams. Prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty in exchange.

Crawford was charged with setting the couple's house on fire in May 2016, shortly after Williams filed for divorce and unsuccessfully sought a restraining order.

Authorities say Crawford watered the plants outside while his husband screamed for help.

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Copyright Associated Press. The Gayly - 7/1/2017 @ 7:40 a.m. CST