News editor
One of the two former McPherson College football players charged in the September murder of Tabor College student and football player Brandon L. Brown has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.
DeQuinte O. Flournoy of Dallas was originally charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second degree. The charge was changed to aiding and abetting aggravated battery in accordance with the plea agreement on April 2. Flournoy pleaded no contest and was found guilty.
Flournoy had no previous criminal history. Attorneys expect sentencing guidelines will recommend probation, and the prosecution agreed not to oppose probation, according to the plea agreement obtained from McPherson County District Court. Sentencing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. June 3.
The murder charge carried a possible sentence of more than 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $300,000.
As part of the plea deal, Flournoy agreed to cooperate in the investigation of Brown’s murder and the prosecution of anyone charged in connection with the murder. Another former McPherson College football player, Alton L. Franklin, also of Dallas, remains charged with aiding and abetting murder in the second degree.
Brown, 26, was found beaten unconscious shortly after 4 a.m. Sept. 16 in McPherson. The father of two was pronounced dead Sept. 22 in Wichita.
McPherson County Attorney David A. Page said Brown’s family supported the decision to make a plea deal with Flournoy.