An Ignacio man who took a plea bargain in the death of his stepfather in 2012 was sentenced Monday to 23 years in state prison.

Richard Silva drew the sentence for beating Clayborn Scott, 55, with a 35-pound propane tank from 6th Judicial District Judge Jeffrey Wilson. Wilson also sentenced him to five years parole and to pay as-yet-undetermined restitution.

“You need to be away from the community for awhile,” Wilson said.

Silva, 32, received credit for 825 days already served.

The plea bargain was reached by Assistant District Attorney Christian Champagne and Justin Bogan from the public defender’s office.

On May 8, 2012, Silva beat Scott with the propane tank in the house they shared four miles north of Ignacio.

Silva pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, and Wilson, using expert evaluation, in January 2013 found him incompetent to stand trial.

While he was held in La Plata County Jail, Silva received medication that stabilized his condition. In July 2013, Wilson said Silva was competent to stand trial.

The next month Silva again pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Champagne and Bogan worked out an agreement that would send Silva to prison for 20 to 28 years.

In June, Silva accepted the plea bargain.

On Monday, in a choking voice, Silva said:

“I don’t have words to describe how I feel. I wish I could take back that day. It’s horrible because he’s gone. I didn’t take my medication that day. I’ll spend the rest of my life being sorry.”

Wilson on Monday said Silva could contest through his attorney any plan of restitution. The plan is to be ready in 90 days.

daler@durangoherald.com