A third person charged in the death of a west Michigan man is scheduled to go on trial today.

Kristofer Thompson of Gobles is charges with open murder in the December slaying of Troy Tyo, who was stabbed and beaten to death at his mobile home in Allegan.

Scott Lathrop of Otsego was accused of driving Thompson, his brother-in-law, to Tyo's home. Lathrop pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder. He was sentenced Friday to 23 months to 10 years in prison.

Thompson's wife Dena is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder. Tyo was her ex-husband. Police believe a custody dispute involving their two children led to the killing.