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SALT LAKE CITY — The final two defendants accused of shooting and killing an 18-year-old man, possibly over jealousy about a girl, pleaded guilty Tuesday to the killing.
William Armstrong P-Graham, 21, pleaded guilty to murder, a first-degree felony, in the death of Jose Javier "Jay Jay" Fernandez while additional charges and a gang enhancement on the case were dismissed.
James Wellah Williams, 20, pleaded guilty to manslaughter with a firearm enhancement and burglary. Both counts were reduced to second-degree felonies.
A third man, Gaethan "Synn" Laguerre, 26, pleaded guilty last week to manslaughter, a first-degree felony, under a group enhancement, as well as first-degree felony aggravated burglary. At the time, Laguerre had agreed to testify in his co-defendants' ongoing cases.
The three men had been scheduled for a preliminary hearing starting Tuesday. They were each originally charged with 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.
Williams told investigators that P-Graham had issues with Fernandez "because Fernandez allegedly slept with P-Graham's girlfriend," according to a search warrant,
Laguerre told police that P-Graham provided him with a 9 mm handgun and had a .380 handgun for himself, the warrant states. The three went to a home at 211 N. Cornell St. (1550 West) on April 7, where Williams got three young children out of the house and 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.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors will recommend P-Graham receive credit for time served, according to court filings. He faces 15 years to life in prison. His sentencing will be set on Oct. 14.
Williams faces a possible two to 20 years for the manslaughter charge and one to 15 years for the burglary charge. He will be sentenced Nov. 4.
Sentencing for Laguerre, who could receive prison sentences of five years to life for each charge, will be set at a hearing Oct. 28.
