Circuit Judge Larry Bourgeois has sentenced Donnie Magee to 18 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Hernandus Breland of Wiggins.

The 42-year-old Magee, also of Wiggins, was set for trial this week on a murder charge in Stone County Circuit Court. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to the lesser charge of manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.

Beth McFadyen, assistant district attorney, said Magee and Breland had argued earlier the night of March 15, 2009, when Magee stabbed Breland.

Breland was stabbed in the neck, face and shoulder.

McFadyen said the victim’s family agreed manslaughter was the more appropriate charge.