UPDATE Thursday, Dec. 19 - The man who has been convicted of stabbing an 86-year-old woman to death on November 8, 2018, appeared in court on Thursday, Dec. 19.

42-year-old Brian Scott Madding has been sentenced to life in prison without the parole for the murder of Greta Putnam.

Putnam's family told Action News Now that the sentencing gave them a sense of peace.

"I am just really happy the guy is being put away, he needs to put away for life," John Land, Putnam's nephew said.

Putnam's grandson, Ron Rhodes said this was the first time they saw Madding's face.

"I am not going to lie, this is the first time I saw his face and it was chilling," Rhodes said. "But to have all this put behind us is a relief."

Madding admitted he stabbed Putnam while trying to burglarize her home. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said it was the stiffest sentence possible. Ramsey said he hopes Madding dies behind bars because he is too dangerous to be let out.

Prosecutors said he murdered Putnam to steal money to buy drugs.

---

OROVILLE, Calif. - The man accused of stabbing an 86-year-old woman to death pleaded guilty to first-degree murder with burglary on Monday. 

42-year-old Brian Scott Madding, an Oroville transient, plead to a charge of first-degree murder and admitted the murder was committed during the commission of a first degree burglary, Ramsey said.

Madding faces life in prison without parole.

During jury selection on Monday, District Attorney Mike Ramsey said that Madding changed his plea from not guilty to no contest.

Oroville police officers arrested Madding in May 2019.

RELATED: Authorities arrest suspect in connection to murder of 86-year-old Oroville woman

Family members found Greta Putnam dead inside her mobile home on November 8, 2018. The district attorney said he will be formally sentenced on December 19, 2019.