A man pleaded guilty this week to first-degree murder for the shooting death of a Capital High School student last year. 20-year old Dekotis Thomas was set to stand trial for the murder of 18-year old Kelvin “KJ” Taylor on Monday but a last minute plea hearing was called late Wednesday afternoon. Thomas agreed to plead guilty to first-degree murder for Taylor’s death. In exchange for the guilty plea, Kanawha County prosecutors agreed to drop all other charges. Thomas agreed to a Kennedy Plea which means he did not admit guilt but admits that the evidence presented by prosecutors would likely persuade a jury to find him guilty. Kanawha County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Adam Petry said the state, as part of the agreement, would stand silent at sentencing when it came to the issue of mercy. A finding of mercy by Judge Joanna Tabit would allow him to eligible for parole in 15 years. The charge carries a possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Thomas will be sentenced on Nov. 7.