Man Who Admits Killing Dulin Sentenced...But Not For Murder:

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John Curtis Mills (mug shot SCSO)

One of the two men who have admitted to murdering David Dulin in Hurley in 2006 has been sentenced.
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John Mills, 33, wasn't sentenced for his part in the murder, he was offered immunity for his testimony against Tim Seaman in that case. And unless prosecutor Matt Selby can find some sort of evidence that he lied when he gave prosecutor's a sworn statement about his involvement in Dulin's murder, he will never serve a day in prison for his part in the man's death.
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What Mills pleaded guilty to in February was three weapon's charges that are related to a July 2010 domestic disturbance that led to a five-and-a-half hour stand off with authorities at his home just east of Hurley.
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According to court records, Mills had been drinking heavily and fired a shot outside before barricading himself in the house.  During negotiations for his surrender deputies could see Mills inside the residence holding different firearms as he talked on the phone. At one point, Mills exchanged one of the weapon's for a cigarette.

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After power was cut off to the property Mills surrendered peacefully and he was taken to a hospital in Springfield for a mental evaluation.

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Stone County Prosecutor Matt Selby filed charges of unlawful use of a weapon in a threatening manner, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm against Mills but recused himself when Mills dropped the bombshell that he was involved in Dulin's murder. 

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Former Lawrence County prosecutor Robert George was appointed special prosecutor in this case and was responsible for the plea negotiations in this case.

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Mills probation was revoked and he was sentenced to 7 years for exhibiting a weapon in a threatening manner; four years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and another 7 year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm.  Those sentences are to run concurrent (at the same time) to each other, but consecutive to the five year sentence that Mills received for domestic violence.  In other words, he received 12 years in prison.

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As he was being sentenced Mills reminded his attorney, John Lewright, that the state had negotiated a ten year deal with him.

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Judge Charles Curless said, "I'm not bound by the agreement, but I will honor it - very reluctantly.  You've been living from crime to crime and your sentencing assessment report was not glowing....but glaring.  You've had a violent dangerous history.  You're mean, and you're going to be out of circulation for a while.  I'd give you more time if I could."

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Mills will have to serve at least 40% of his sentence before he becomes eligible for parole.