PALATKA, Fla. – A 23-year-old man accused of killing a Melrose man, stealing his truck and fleeing the state with a 15-year-old girl has pleaded guilty to murder.
Toby Lowry and 15-year-old Morgan Leppert were arrested in Texas two days after 66-year-old James Stewart was found dead in his home last May.
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Authorities said Stewart was beaten and stabbed.
"He did give a full confession in the state of Texas when he was apprehended, and so he's kind of hemmed up in that regard," said assistant state attorney Chris France.
Lowry faced charges of first-degree murder, auto theft, interference with custody and panhandling.
He agreed to plead guilty and testify in the trial against Leppert in exchange for a life sentence. If convicted in a trial, Lowry could have faced the death penalty.
Prosecutors said avoiding the death penalty was the only option for Lowry.
"He confessed to the facts surrounding the crime, how it occurred, why it occurred, what he did in the house and upon leaving. He gave a very detailed statement," France said.
Leppert was the focus of a nationwide Amber Alert after she disappeared with Lowry. A tip based generated from that alert lead to the pair's capture as they were hitchhiking through Texas.
Investigators said Leppert had willingly participated in the slaying of Stewart and fleeing the state with Lowry. She is also charged with first-degree murder and auto theft.
Because of her age, she would not face the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors said Stewart's family was OK with the idea of the death penalty being taken off the table for Lowry. They said the killer's admission of guilt has given them some closure.
Sentencing for Lowry is scheduled for 10 a.m. next Friday.
Previous Stories:
- June 13, 2008: Man Accused Of Murder Attempts Suicide
- June 11, 2008: Teen 'Ain't Got Nothing To Say' About Slaying
- May 16, 2008: 15-Year-Old Accused Killer Booked In Jail
- May 10, 2008: Putnam Ex-Con Booked In Melrose Slaying