Body, burning car found at reservoir last year

Dustin Tyler Smith, 25, of McPherson pleaded no contest Monday and was convicted of first degree murder in McPherson County District Court.

Smith had been charged with the murder of McPherson resident Justin Milne on May 29. Four additional charges, including aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm, were dropped as a part of the plea.

Milne’s body was found near Marion Reservoir by Marion County Sheriff’s officers May 29, 1.5 miles away from Milne’s burning vehicle.

Smith is scheduled to be sentenced 1 p.m. on May 7. He faces a presumptive penalty of life imprisonment. He would not be eligible for parole until serving a minimum of 20 years.