UTICA, N.Y. -- A Utica man accused of killing his girlfriend has accepted a plea deal.

32-year old Brian Brewczynski pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a sentence of 22 1/2 years in prison.

Brewczynski beat his girlfriend, 49-year-old Cheri Saupp, who died from her injuries.

A grand jury had originally indicted him for second-degree murder.

In addition to the prison term, Brewczynski will also serve five years post-release supervision.