Laquan Javaris Fitzpatrick, 19, was arrested in March and charged with capital murder in the Christmas Eve 2009 shooting death of Maj. Philip Wise, 40.

Police said Fitzpatrick and another man shot and killed wise outside of a Salvation Army in Little Rock in front of Wise's three young children.

In court Friday, Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and firearm enhancement. He must serve at least 35 years before he would be eligible for parole.

Fitzpatrick also apologized to Wise's widow in court.

Outside the courtroom, Cindy Wise told a Little Rock NBC television station, "I know deep in my heart that he just made a wrong choice. I will continue to pray for him and continue to pray for his family and hopefully this will bring some closure to my family to heal. It's been a rough six months since we've left and I'm just ready to heal and to get my kids healing."

Wise also said, "We've moved and we've started a new life. Hopefully we can continue to grow and continue to heal and always remember the love of my husband and the love that he had for this area."

When asked about the death penalty for Fitzpatrick, which he avoided by changing his plea, Wise said, "I would not have supported the death penalty. It's not my place to kill him just because he killed my husband. That's something for God to take care of."

Before walking away, Wise was asked how her children were doing. Her response: "They're not doing well."

Investigators said Wise was gunned down after dropping off two bell ringers on the last day of the organization's fundraising campaign. Officials said the shooting happened as Wise was walking back to the Salvation Army building.

Police said two armed men confronted Wise and demanded his money. The two men then shot Wise, who was able to call 911 before he died.

According to officials, Wise was a pastor at the Salvation Army Chapel and served 15 years with the Salvation Army, which included work in Moundsville.

Previous Stories: June 1, 2010: Hearing Set For Man Charged In Weirton Native's Killing March 30, 2010: Police: Suspect In Weirton Native's Slaying Was Shot To Death March 17, 2010: Man Charged in Christmas Eve Slaying January 2, 2010: Memorial Service Held For Slain Salvation Army Major December 28, 2009: Slain Weirton Native Was 'Servant Of God, Servant Of People' December 28, 2009: Search Continues For Weirton Native's Killers December 26, 2009: Family Heads To Arkansas After Salvation Army Major Is Killed December 26, 2009: Salvation Army Major Shot To Death