LUMBERTON — An Orrum man has been sentenced to 20 to 24 years in prison for a stabbing death that occurred during a 2006 armed robbery.

David Alexander Hunt, 27, of 14856 N.C. 72, Lumberton, pled guilty Oct. 26 to the charge of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Hawkins, 28, of Alamac Road in Lumberton that happened on Jan. 9, 2006.

Hunt received an additional five to seven years imprisonment after pleading guilty to robbery with a dangerous weapon. Hunt had faced first-degree murder and felony conspiracy charges in the case, but was offered a plea bargain.

“Our reasoning mainly was to make sure the family didn’t have to go through a lengthy trial and relive the facts of the murder,” said Joseph Osman, an assistant district attorney and prosecutor in this case. “They were satisfied with the sentencing.”

Hunt was sentenced by Robeson County Superior Court Judge Richard Brown.

Christopher Lee Bundy, 33, of Lumberton was sentenced in August 2008 to 16 to 29 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the case.

On Jan. 9, 2006, Hunt and Bundy, armed with knives, entered a mobile home where Hawkins lived, Osman said. After the assault, Hunt and Bundy stole a silver watch, cigarettes, two knives, a hammer, and an estimated $400 worth of cocaine, Osman said.

Hawkins was stabbed numerous times and left for dead. Family members found his body on Jan. 14 after they had not heard from him in a few days.

Osman said physical evidence linking Hunt to the victim included footprints in Hawkins’ yard matching Hunt’s boots, and blood from the victim found in Hunt’s car. Hunt also made a statement to police about his involvement in the crime, according to Osman.

Hunt was arrested in February 2006. He received a credit of 1,357 days — 3.7 years — for time he has served pending the outcome of the case.