David Degroat has agreed to a plea deal that reduces his first-degree murder charge to second-degree murder in the 2025 killing of his roommate, Matthew McLaughlin. Prosecutors say Degroat and Rainor Joiner, both former soldiers, ambushed and killed McLaughlin before dismembering his body.
Degroat, who was 22 at the time, reached the agreement with Taos County prosecutors to avoid a potential life sentence. Under the deal he faces about 30 years in prison if approved.
The victim, 25-year-old U.S. Army veteran Matthew McLaughlin, disappeared on July 31, 2025. His remains were later recovered along U.S. 64 near Tres Piedras after Joiner led deputies to the sites.
Joiner is scheduled to stand trial in December. Degroat's plea is expected to be finalized by early August.
McLaughlin's mother, Rebecca McLaughlin, expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, noting it eliminates the risk of appeals but may result in less prison time than a first-degree conviction.