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SALT LAKE CITY -- A 27-year-old man pleaded guilty to murder Friday for his role in the shooting death of 18-year-old JoJo Brandstatt at a West Valley City golf course.
Jeremiah H. Williamson is one of four people charged in connection with the slaying. He was facing charges of murder, a first-degree felony, two counts of aggravated kidnapping and five counts of aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies.
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed all of the remaining charges against Williamson.
Brandstatt was marched at gunpoint onto a West Valley golf course, shot three times and left for dead Feb. 5, 2009, by four people who prosecutors say were deep into the gang lifestyle. Prosecutors say the shooting occurred after one young man became enraged to see Brandstatt wearing a red T-shirt, the color favored by a rival gang.
It is believed that then-14-year-old Antonie Hunter Farani was the shooter. He was charged with aggravated murder, a first-degree felony, in addition to aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges. He was certified as an adult by a juvenile court judge.
Spencer Isaiah Cater, 20, is facing murder, aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping charges as well. His case is set to go to trial in April 2011.
Shardise Malaga, 20, was sentenced in March to 15 years to life in prison for five felonies including manslaughter, two counts of kidnapping, and unrelated charges of burglary and theft.
Williamson's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 1.
E-mail: emorgan@desnews.com
