An Akron man will be spending at least the next 18 years in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend.

Summit County Prosecutors announced 53-year old John Pritchard was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Paul Gallagher Friday  for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Robin Bailey last October.

Pritchard will be eligible for parole after serving 18 years in prison.

Pritchard shot Bailey four times after a  housing dispute. He then took her car and dog and left for New Mexico.

He pleaded guilty to murder and other charges in September.

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Press Release:

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh announced today that Judge Paul Gallagher sentenced John Pritchard, 53, of Patterson Avenue in Akron, to life in prison for the murder of Pritchard’s ex-girlfriend. Pritchard will be eligible for parole after serving 18 years in prison.

On October 9, 2011, Pritchard shot his ex-girlfriend four times after a dispute. He then took her car and fled to New Mexico.

Pritchard pleaded guilty to Murder with a gun specification; Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree; Domestic Violence, a misdemeanor of the first degree; and Grand Theft, a felony of the fourth degree, on September