Sentencing today for Mason City man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder

MASON CITY — A Mason City man who has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder is scheduled to be sentenced later this morning. 

52-year-old Frederick Olson was charged with first-degree murder after the death of 63-year-old Leroy White at a home located at 1916 South Grover Avenue in Mason City last December 18th. A criminal complaint states that Olson physically assaulted White, causing his death.

Olson had originally pleaded not guilty to the charge, but earlier this month he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder, a Class B forcible felony. That carries a mandatory 50-year prison term with a mandatory minimum of 35 years having to be served prior to any consideration for parole. That compares to a life prison sentence without the opportunity for parole with the Class A first-degree murder charge.

Olson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 10:30 this morning at the Cerro Gordo County Courthouse.