An Ewa Beach teenager who ambushed and strangled his neighbor in her carport will have a chance at parole.

The state has agreed not to seek a prison term of life without parole for Vernon Bartley, said Bartley’s lawyer Jeffrey Hawk.

Hawk said he and the prosecutor have agreed that Bartley, 18, will receive a life prison term with the opportunity for parole for the May 25, 2007 murder of 51-year-old Karen Ertell, plus the maximum sentence for the most serious of the other crimes Bartley committed.

“So what it ends up being is life plus 10 years,” Hawk said.

The state that says in return, Bartley will agree to give up his right to appeal.

The two sides will appear in front of state Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall tomorrow morning to formalize the agreement.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 18.

The Hawaii Paroling Authority will decide how long Bartley must remain behind bars before he can apply for parole.