Cragun pleads guilty in hammer attack

The Bayview man who used a hammer to attack the Heath family in December 2010 has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the incident.

Cragun, 32, pleaded guilty to first degree murder in the killing of Patricia Heath, attempted first degree murder for his attack on Lorraine Wallis, aggravated battery for striking Jedidiah Heath and aggravated battery for striking Michael Heath.

The pleas were taken by Judge Benjamin Simpson, and are part of a mediated agreement reached Thursday.

Cragun remains in jail pending sentencing which has been set for May 14.

He faces a 40-year fixed prison term, up to life in prison.