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Last updated on Sunday, August 5, 2012
(KOKOMO) — Prosecutors pushing for a plea deal for a Kokomo man accused of killing his girlfriend will make rare arguments supporting it to a Howard County judge.
Howard County Prosecutor Mark McCann told the Kokomo Tribune he plans a "full evidentiary hearing" Tuesday on the plea agreement for Travis Funke.
Victims and their families often testify in plea hearings, but prosecutors seldom explain their reasons for supporting an agreement.
Funke is accused of killing Kelly Armstrong in July 2011 during an argument over drugs. Armstrong's body has never been found.
Her family initially signed on to the agreement but now objects to a provision that calls for prosecutors to recommend that custody of the couple's 2-year-old son be awarded to Funke's relatives. The child is currently in foster care.
Armstrong's family searched rural areas of Howard County and snow-covered landfills, hoping to find the remains of the mother of four.
Funke is charged with voluntary manslaughter. If the deal is accepted, Funke will serve 35 years in prison.
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