An Alabama man pleaded guilty Monday just before his trial began to murdering another man with a shovel in 2022.

Morgan Barnhill pleaded guilty to murder Monday, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office announced in a press release.

Evidence shows that on March 29, 2022, Barnhill lured Etienne Murray to his Tillman’s Corner home under the belief that Murray would be attending a BBQ with the defendant.

Once Murray reached the home, and as he was walking away from Barnhill, Barnhill struck Murray in the back of the head with a shovel, prosecutors said.

Barnhill continued to hit Murray numerous times in the head with the shovel, as well as a 2×4.

Barnhill then tied up Murray and dragged him to the back yard where Murray was left severely injured and unconscious. Murray succumbed to his injuries on April 1, 2022.

“We are pleased that Mr. Barnhill admitted to the brutal crime for which he was indicted by a Mobile County Grand Jury,” District Attorney Keith Blackwood said. “This has been extremely hard on the victim’s family, and we hope this justice provides some closure to them.”

Sentencing for Morgan Barnhill is set for March 4th at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Hambright. The State was represented by ADA Coy Morgan.