A Cartwright man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death has been given a 35-year prison sentence.

Ralph Victor Boyd, 54, was originally charged with first-degree murder for the August 2011 death of Linda Horton. During his formal arraignment this week, he entered a no-contest plea to a reduced charge of second-degree murder.

Boyd was charged following an investigation by the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office.

According to an affidavit by Sheriff’s Investigator John Bates, Boyd walked to the Cartwright Fire Department and told firefighters he needed them to come to his house because his girlfriend was sick.

When firefighters entered the home, they found the victim, later identified as Horton, face down in the hallway with knife wounds to her back. Boyd was on the scene and had already been taken into custody by Deputy Frank Burrola. Upon questioning, Boyd, the affidavit states, said that Horton disclosed she had been cheating on him.

According to the affidavit, Boyd said he then called her a vulgar name, and she then “flipped out and let me have it.” Boyd said Horton grabbed a steak knife and sliced his stomach and legs. Boyd said he grabbed his own steak knife and stabbed her in the middle of the back at least two times.

Colbert EMS came to the location to check Boyd’s injuries and he declined medical treatment, according to the sheriff’s office. He was then taken to the sheriff’s office for more questioning.

According to the affidavit, Boyd said, “We used to get along so good.” Then-Sheriff’s Investigator John Hoffpauir asked if Horton tried to make him stay after cutting him, and he agreed that Horton never stopped him from leaving the house.

Hoffpauir then told Boyd, “… instead of leaving … you got a knife and cut her back.” According to the sheriff’s office, Boyd agreed that was what happened.