Deal Struck in Graves Murder Case

One of the men charged in a Graves County home invasion and murder has taken a plea bargain, according to the Paducah Sun.
 
41-year-old Richard Dewayne Phipps pleaded guilty Wednesday in Graves Circuit Court to murder, robbery, burglary and wanton endangerment. He faces up to life in prison for his crimes.

Police said Phipps and co-defendant James Kirby invaded the home of Richard and Sharon Jett to steal guns and money on Feb. 19. Richard Jett was shot, and later died from his wounds. Sharon Jett was shot five times, but survived. A third defendant, Edwin Russell, reportedly knew the victims and drove Phipps and Kirby to the scene.

Circuit Judge Tim Starks’ office told the Paducah Sun that none of the other defendants have taken a plea deal.

Conditions of the deal called for Phipps to plead guilty to one count of complicity to murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree robbery, one count of first-degree burglary and four counts of wanton endangerment. Prosecutors dropped charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and being a persistent felony offender.
 
Sentences ranging from 20 years to life to five years on the separate counts have been recommended, which add up to a maximum life sentence.