By the Associated Press
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (AP) — A man pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 20 years in prison Friday for killing a friend during a dispute that began while they were watching an LSU-Alabama football game on television.
Gunfire began during an argument that followed Louisiana State’s 46-41 victory over the University of Alabama in 2019, authorities have said. Fulkerson and Merritt were watching with others at a house when Merritt was shot in the head.
A fight escalated when Fulkerson thought Merritt referred to him by an expletive, court documents said. Merritt died about a week after he was shot.
Fulkerson is an Alabama fan, while Merritt reportedly pulled for LSU.