Updated

A South Carolina man has admitted to beating his girlfriend, stuffing her body into a suitcase and then burning it in a barrel last year.

News outlets report 23-year-old John Coddington of Fort Mill pleaded guilty Wednesday to murder in the death of 32-year-old Tiffany Williams and was sentenced to 45 years in prison as part of a plea deal.

Coddington, who first met Williams online, admitted to beating her in their apartment in December 2015 and watching her die.

Prosecutors say days later, Coddington tried to cover up the crime by burning Williams' body in Chester County. They say he also burned her clothes and personal belongings.