James Lippert, of Horry County, was sentenced to 17.5 years Wednesday, after he pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of his wife.
Marcy Lippert was found on the back porch of the couple's Carolina Forest home in November 2011 after a domestic dispute.
She had facial trauma and had what appeared to be several stab wounds to the chest.
The couple's daughters, ages 5 and 8, were found in the home.
Prosecutor Scott Hucks said manslaughter is a crime in the heat of passion, while to prove murder one must prove malice.
Marcy's brother now has custody of the couple's daughters.
The state had recommended Lippert get 30 years.
