Eckels pleads guilty to second degree murder

Monte Wayne Eckels, 58, of Britt, entered the plea Monday in Hancock County District Court.

Eckels was arrested by the Britt Police Department and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the March 4, 2023 stabbing death of Leallen Bergman, 62.

After an evaluation in May of this year, it was determined that Eckels suffered from a mental disorder that prevented him from appreciating the seriousness of the charge, understanding the proceedings or contributing effectively to his own defense.

Eckels was determined to pose a danger to the public and was admitted to the Iowa Medical and Classification Center to rehabilitate his competency.

In September, he was found competent to stand trial and transferred to the Winnebago County Jail to receive ongoing treatment and medications prescribed to maintain his competency, according to court records.

A jury trial was scheduled to begin Dec. 9, but Eckels agreed to plead guilty to the lesser charge.

Second-degree murder is a class B felony punishable by up to 50 years in prison.

No sentencing date has been set.