Judge rejects plea deal for man convicted in 1976 slaying

Translating…

Prosecutors and protection attorneys agreed to a plea deal that can have freed a Georgia man who used to be convicted in a execute case decades ago, but a deem disagreed with the phrases, maintaining the man unhurried bars

May per chance additionally 12, 2020, 1: 15 PM

2 min read

COLUMBUS, Ga. — Prosecutors and protection attorneys agreed to a plea deal that can have freed a Georgia man who used to be convicted in a execute case decades ago, but a deem disagreed with the phrases, maintaining the man unhurried bars.

Johnny Lee Gates, 63, used to be convicted of execute, rape and robbery within the 1976 slaying of Katharina Wright, 19, in an condominium in Columbus.

Earlier this 365 days, the impart Supreme Court dominated Gates deserved a original trial after most recent DNA tests forged “necessary doubt” on his guilt.

Prosecutors said in court docket Monday that they crafted a deal to cut the execute charge to voluntary manslaughter, push apart the rape charge and establish the armed robbery charge, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported. The listening to used to be held on-line as a result ofcoronaviruspandemic.

The manslaughter and robbery charges would add as a lot as 40 years in jail, so Gates would be released after getting credit for the 43 years he is served.

Patrick Mulvaney, an attorney for Gates, said his shopper would agree to the phrases but would utilize his innocence. Deem Bobby Peters didn’t approve.

“(T)hat’s now not justice for any one,” Peters said. “We desire justice for the victim and justice for Mr. Gates, and assuredly a trial, it looks, is the true components to bring collectively to that time.”

A brand original trial for Gates has now not begun for the explanation that Supreme Court’s ruling in March.

Peters said he would have in solutions environment a bond for Gates and consult with attorneys within the following couple of days, the newspaper reported.


ABC News


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