A Russian national accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend two years ago in Phoenix will serve life in prison as part of a plea bargain to avoid the death penalty, officials said Friday. 

Igor Zubko, 27, requested a plea deal in 2016 after prosecutors indicated they would pursue the death penalty in the 2015 killing. 

Police allege that Zubko used a key he never returned to break into the home of 22-year-old Shayley Estes near 16th Street and Roeser Road in Phoenix.

Zubko brought with him a handgun purchased earlier that day through a private internet sale, according to police.

After an argument between Zubko and Estes when she returned home, neighbors heard a gunshot and found her body in the home. 

Zubko’s relationship with Estes ended in June 2015, according to her roommate’s statement to police.

An order of protection was obtained against Zubko shortly after, Phoenix police said.

Court records said Zubko sent Estes’ roommate a threatening text after an order of protection was served: “She will be brutally murdered from Russia with love.”

Zubko was apprehended at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 24, 2015, according to authorities. 

He had purchased a one-way ticket to San Francisco, according to authorities.

Court records said that he told police the shooting was an accident.

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