A Defiance man was handed a life sentence after he admitted killing his ex-girlfriend Monday afternoon during an emotional hearing in Defiance County Common Pleas Court. Jeremy Rucker, 23, 1209 Ayersville Ave., pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, at a hearing packed with family members of the victim, Brandy Hurtt, 23, Belle Center. Rucker was indicted by a county grand jury Wednesday, but pre-indictment discussions led to the quick plea agreement, according to Defiance County Prosecutor Jeff Strausbaugh.