Mervin Bettis, Tampa Bay area shoplifter gets five years in prison over security guard death

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- A Tampa Bay area shoplifter has been sentenced to five years in prison because a security guard suffered a fatal heart attack while trying to stop the crime.

As part of a deal with Hillsborough County prosecutors, 36-year-old Mervin Bettis pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder. He could have received up to 30 years in prison.

Authorities say Bettis tried to steal about $1,100 worth of razor blade cartridges from a Tampa Target in May 2011. Two security guards struggled with Bettis as he tried to flee. Minutes after handcuffing Bettis, one of the guards -- 65-year-old Russell Horner -- collapsed and later died.

Florida law says a person can be charged with felony murder if a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies.