A man has pleaded guilty to the ax murder of his wife in the Town of Hadley this spring.

Michael Norton, 58, pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree in Saratoga County Court Thursday afternoon. He admitted to killing Sherry Norton on the night of May 2 in the couple's home on Third Avenue.

The Saratoga County District Attorney's office credits the sheriff's office and State Police with conducting a "thorough investigation," backing up the case with solid forensic evidence.

Norton is scheduled to be sentenced January 11, and is expected to receive 20 years to life in state prison.