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SALT LAKE CITY — One of three people charged with killing an 18-year-old Salt Lake man accepted a plea deal Thursday, agreeing to possibly testify against his co-defendants next week.
Gaethan "Synn" Laguerre, 26, of Sandy, pleaded guilty to manslaughter rather than murder, though the charge remains a first-degree felony under a group enhancement. He also admitted to aggravated burglary, a first-degree felony. He faces potential prison sentences of five years to life for each charge.
Police say Laguerre is one of three men who shot and killed Jose Javier "Jay Jay" Fernandez, 18, in a bedroom at 211 N. Cornell St. (1550 West) on April 7.
Laguerre's attorney, Clayton Simms, said that rather than trying to get anyone else in trouble, his client is accepting responsibility for his own role in the shooting, including going to prison.
According to court filings, Laguerre could be called as a witness next week during a two-day preliminary hearing for William Armstrong P-Graham, 21, and James Wellah Williams, 20, both of Salt Lake City.
The two face charges of murder, aggravated burglary and three counts of felony discharge of a firearm resulting in serious injury, all first-degree felonies; and obstructing justice, a second-degree felony.
According to a search warrant, Williams told investigators that P-Graham had issues with Fernandez "because Fernandez allegedly slept with P-Graham's girlfriend."
Laguerre told police that P-Graham provided him with a 9mm handgun and had a .380 handgun for himself, the warrant states. After Williams got three young children out of the house, Laguerre and P-Graham went into the bedroom where Fernandez was sleeping, according to the charges.
Laguerre told detectives that P-Graham shot at Fernandez first, according to the affidavit. An autopsy determined he was shot seven times.
Sentencing for Laguerre may be set at a hearing Oct. 28, pending the preliminary hearing and potential trial scheduling for P-Graham and Williams.
