LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 67-year-old Lawrence man who told investigators he killed his wife because of her many health problems has been sentenced to life in prison.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports that Larry Hopkins will be eligible for parole after 25 years under the sentence he received Thursday in Douglas County District Court.

Hopkins shot and killed 61-year-old Margaret Hopkins on Nov. 5, 2013, at their Lawrence home. He pleaded no contest earlier this year to first-degree murder, turning down a plea deal that included lesser offenses.

In court Thursday, Hopkins read a statement describing the many ailments suffered by his wife of 24 years, including diabetes, multiple strokes and knee replacement surgeries.

Larry Hopkins also had suffered a stroke and had heart problems as well.