Man gets life sentence for killing his mom

NEWARK — Russell Littrell found himself in a familiar situation Friday, appearing in court to answer to allegations that he had hurt his mother. Littrell been here before, more than three years ago, when he was convicted of domestic violence against her. This time, there would be no next time. With family filling a row behind him in Licking County Common Pleas court, Littrell pleaded guilty Friday morning to the murder of his mother, Ruth Ann Hackney.