Michael Gensel pleaded guilty in an arson and murder that happened one year ago in Horry County.
A judge sentenced Gensel to 30 years.
Firefighters found Claudy Strickland, 65, dead in his living room while fighting a fire on Burcale Road in June 2011.
Police say Gensel and Christopher Cervoni robbed Strickland, beat him, then set the house on fire.
The coroners office says Strickland died of blunt trauma to the head.
