Steven Kelley pleaded guilty Monday morning to second-degree murder in the November 10, 2014 slaying of Minister Kenneth Johnson.
He was sentenced under a plea agreement to serve 18 years in state prison at 100 percent. Judge Tom Greenholtz said it would be possible to earn credits down to 85 percent.
Jordan Craig is awaiting charges in the case.
Kelley, who is now 24, had been set to go to trial starting Tuesday. He had been charged with felony murder carrying a life prison sentence and especially aggravated robbery with a possible sentence of 15-25 years. The later charge was dismissed under the plea agreement.
The body of the victim was found in a ditch at 2200 Blackford St. He had been beaten to death.
Prosecutor Kristen Spires said police were led to Ms. Craig because the victim's phone showed she was the last person to send him a text message. She said Kelley had a blow to the head and injury to his ears in an apparent struggle with the minister.
She said there was no direct evidence that the incident was a robbery. Prosecutor Spires said a woman who lived some distance away observed a scuffle and called 911, but could not identify anyone.
Ms. Craig said she agreed to meet with the victim to buy drugs and he asked her to come alone. She said she brought her boyfriend, Kelley, with her for protection. She said he hid out.
Ms. Craig claimed that the victim requested to touch her private areas in exchange for the drugs. She said at that point Kelley came out and assaulted him. She said he was only protecting her.
Kelley said when he got out of the vehicle the minister attacked him with a crowbar. He said he was hit in the head and chest. Police said they only found a scratch on his head and no bruises on his chest.
The victim's vehicle was ransacked and his keys were taken.
Police said they were not able to locate any illegal drugs.
Sandra Johnson earlier identified the victim as her 59-year-old husband. He was an associate minister at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church.
She said she last saw him when he went out to assist someone as part of the church's women's ministry.