Friday, October 5, 2012

A judge has sentenced a Northern California man to 47 years in state prison for viciously mutilating and killing his friend after they consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms.

The Eureka Times-Standard reports that Jarrod Wyatt of Crescent City was sentenced Thursday in Del Norte County Superior Court, where family and friends spoke about the impact of Taylor Powell's death.

The 29-year-old mixed-martial artist pleaded guilty last month to first-degree murder involving mayhem for killing his 21-year-old sparring partner in 2010.

Wyatt had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but in May a judge ruled Wyatt was competent to stand trial.

Prosecutors say Wyatt ripped out his friend's heart and tongue after the two drank psychedelic mushroom tea. Wyatt was arrested after officers found him naked and covered in blood.