JAMESTOWN, N.Y. -- Keith Robbins, a Jamestown man who admitted to shooting his estranged wife to death in November 2016, will not face life in prison after accepting a plea deal Thursday morning, when opening statements were set to begin in his trial.

Robbins originally faced second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of his estranged wife, Shari Robbins, in a parking lot on Prospect Street. Keith Robbins instead pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

Chautauqua County Public Defender Ned Barone said the reduced charge was based on extreme emotional disturbance, and that Keith Robbins suffered from mental health issues at the time.

"Anxiety, depression contributed to the, for lack of a better term, the break he may have suffered at that particular moment, and so we're satisfied with the plea and I think it was a just plea for both Mr. Robbins as well as the victim's family," said Barone.

After his wife’s death, Robbins disappeared, forcing a five-day search. He was found in his father’s home.

Keith Robbins was also accused of stabbing a police dog during the course of his arrest. That charge was dropped.

At sentencing on December 18, Robbins could spend 20 to 25 years in prison. He also waived his right to an appeal.