It was her 30th birthday.

Police later took David Ragsdale into custody after his brother drove him to the police station.

Police said David Ragsdale was under the influence of antidepressant medication, a testosterone medication and sleep aids. Kawai said defense attorneys never planned to use this to excuse the shooting, but they had planned to present it as a "mitigating factor" if the prosecution sought capital punishment.

"There's no good excuse for what he did," Kawai said.

Lehi detective Mark Birch watched the court proceedings as David Ragsdale pleaded guilty Wednesday afternoon. He was one of the officers who responded to the shooting, and he said he's glad he was able to see the case through to the end.

"My heart really goes out to the Palizzis and Ragsdales," he said. "I'm really glad it's resolved."

David and Kristy Ragsdale's children, 5-year-old Brandon and 2-year-old Carter, have been placed in the care of their maternal grandparents, Ann and Albert Palizzi, in Washington. David Ragsdale settled a wrongful death suit for $1 million so his children could have his assets.

Judy Ragsdale said her family is now turning its attention to the needs of the children. She said she hopes they know their parents love them.

Judy Ragsdale also had a message for the Palizzis.

"Our hearts go out to Kristy's family," she wrote. "We are sorry."

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E-mail: jdana@desnews.com