A 36-year-old Neillsville man has pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide in the fatal stabbing of his wife at their home four years ago, saying he did so because she confronted him about his drinking.

Daniel Peterson entered the plea Wednesday in Clark County Circuit Court in the death of 30-year-old Vickie Peterson. A week-long jury in the case had been scheduled to begin in June.

Judge Jon Counsell sentenced Peterson to life in prison without eligibility of parole.

Daniel Peterson told the court that he warned his wife not to push him verbally, but the altercation eventually became more intense, and he stabbed her.

Court records say Vickie Peterson was stabbed to death late on December 31, 2003, or the next day. Her throat was cut and she had 36 other stab wounds.