TORRINGTON - A Torrington man faces 20 years to life in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree murder.

Sean Pettus, 32, is charged with killing Madison Cook, 20, who he began dating while working at a Torrington truck stop. They considered themselves married on Facebook.

According to police, Cook was found dead with multiple stab wounds and marks around her neck on April 20, 2021. Pettus then set his tattoo business on fire and stole a car.

The Cook family said there was a history of violence between the two.

Pettus was on parole from a burglary conviction in Cody. Court records show Pettus has a history of mental illness. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and admitted into the Wyoming State Hospital.

After his arrest, police say Pettus accused everyone in Torrington was against him, the city was full of ninjas and he heard whispering next to his business.

Pettus pleaded guilty to first-degree arson, felony theft and two counts of burglary as part of the plea agreement. \