After already pleading guilty to rape and assault charges this past spring, a Hudson Falls man admits to plotting to kill the victim in his case. Our Matt Hunter reports from Saratoga County Court.

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. – On Wednesday morning, 20-year-old Kyle Shultz pleaded guilty to second degree conspiracy. From behind bars at the Saratoga County Jail, prosecutors say the Hudson Falls man plotted to kill the victim in his ongoing rape case.

"He did think that if he had the victim killed, that somehow it would shorten his sentence. Obviously, that would not be the case," said Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Buckley, who prosecuted the case.

Shultz had already pleaded guilty to rape and assault charges by the time authorities learned of the murder plot earlier this spring.

"One of the really scary parts with this defendant is that the initial crimes for which he was incarcerated and pled guilty to are significant in and of themselves," Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said.

Along with his co-defendant, 21-year-old Dylan Kelly -- who was not involved in the murder plot -- Shultz admitted to raping a 41-year-old woman they'd met only hours earlier in a wooded area near Moreau's Ferry Boulevard last May.

"He violently attacked this woman and raped her and seriously injured her," Heggen said.

The assault charge stems from attacking and injuring corrections officers after his initial arrest.

By admitting to the murder plot, Shultz's previously agreed upon sentence in the rape case will be doubled from 10 to 20 years.

"Because he engaged in criminal conduct after having pled guilty, the judge enhanced his sentences," Heggen said.

When he returns to court next month, Shultz will be sentenced to a combined 33 to 43 years in state prison. The sentences from the three charges will be served consecutively.

"These are the types of people ... we feel it is our duty and responsibility to hold these people accountable and responsible for their violent and heinous acts," Heggen said.