Police officer's killer pleads, will serve life

A man will spend the rest of his life in prison after pleading guilty to killing a Rayville police officer.
Richard L. Long, Jr. , 57, pleaded guilty Monday to the first-degree murder in the September 2010 of Sgt. Thomas Alexander, shot and killed as he responded to a burglary report.
Alexander made sure the homeowner was safe before he entered and was shot as he approached a closet.
Walker's accomplice, Robert Walker, 53, of Rayville, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in June 2011.
Anthony D. Oatis, a third suspect, is awaiting trial, which is scheduled for May.