Joshua Rouse will spend the rest of his life in prison for the June 15, 2009, murder of Applebee’s manager Sandy Denise Riedel.

Under the plea arrangement struck today between the state and his defense attorneys, Rouse will not be eligible for parole and all other charges against him will be dropped.

State Bureau of Investigation Agent Walter Brown recapped the case before Halifax County Superior Court Judge Alma Hinton this morning, explaining one of Riedel’s coworkers came into the restaurant on Premier Boulevard in the early morning hours and discovered her in an office area.

She died from multiple stab wounds and lacerations, Brown told the court. Riedel had spent most of the evening preparing for an inspection.

Brown did not discuss a motive in the case but did tell the court Rouse had assisted her in preparing for the inspection.

One of the last calls made on Riedel’s cell phone was to Rouse, Brown said. Investigation determined, however, that Rouse took her cell phone and used it to call his phone.I

nvestigators spoke with Rouse’s girlfriend who eventually admitted he came to her in a panic, had changed his clothes and put them in a bag. They traveled to Rocky Mount.

A search warrant for the vehicle used, Brown said, led investigators to find a single glove that matched one found at Applebee’s. Brown said Rouse confessed to the murder.

“I never knew Sandy Riedel,” Halifax County District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey said during the plea hearing. “I’ve spent more time with her mother. They are a very close knit family.”Riedel worked hard to make a career in restaurant management, Pelfrey said. “She overcame many obstacles. She was happy with her accomplishments. I think Mrs. Riedel (Sandy’s mother) showed a tremendous amount of faith. I think Sandy would be very proud of the faith she has shared with me. They are fine folks. It’s my understanding Miss Riedel showed a great amount of compassion to Mr. Rouse.”

Neither Sam Dixon nor Jack Warmack, Rouse’s defense team, said anything to the court.Rouse peered around the courtroom before standing for sentencing and pointed at family members seated in the courtroom after taking the plea.

Outside the courtroom, Dixon said, “I’m glad it’s over. It’s a good resolution.”

Said Warmack: “It’s a fair resolution for both sides.”