Deal reached in Troy murder case

Summary

18-year-old Zachary Fredrickson was scheduled to go on trial for first-degree murder on Monday for the slaying of Jeremiah Johnson in Troy last June.

Story Published: Apr 19, 2008 at 10:50 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 5:40 PM PST

MOSCOW (AP) - A Troy teenager accused of fatally shooting a man before turning the gun on himself has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder just days before his murder trial was to begin.

Sentencing is set for June 23 for 18-year-old Zachary Fredrickson, who was scheduled to go on trial for first-degree murder on Monday for the slaying of Jeremiah Johnson in Troy last June.

Second-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, but Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson said Friday he has agreed to recommend a sentence of not longer than 20 years.

A witness says Fredrickson placed a .22-caliber rifle under his chin and shot himself after Johnson was shot once in the head. Frederickson survived and has recovered.

He remains free on $100,000 bond until sentencing.

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