Paul Connolly changes plea in Paradise death
One of the men charged in connection with the kidnapping and death of 25-year-old Steven Miller in Paradise two years ago has changed his plea to guilty.
Paul Connolly, who was initially charged with first-degree murder and was set for trial next month, has pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
In entering the plea Tuesday morning in Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court, his lawyer, Jeff Brace, indicated Connolly is also pleading guilty to robbery, unlawful confinement and two counts of breaching a recognizance.
Seven charges, including arson, were conditionally withdrawn.
The case is due back in court Oct. 19, when the facts of the case will be presented to the judge.
Connolly is one of four men charged in connection with Miller’s death. Connolly, Chesley Lucas, Calvin Kenny and Kyle Morgan were all originally charged with killing Miller, whose body was found in the driveway of a Conception Bay South home hours after he was kidnapped and stabbed, and his home set ablaze.
Morgan pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of accessory after the fact of manslaughter and received a one-year jail term last August.
Kenny and Lucas each pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter as well as robbery, forcible confinement and arson, and received sentences of 12 ½ years behind bars.
Their lawyers — who had made a joint submission with prosecutors for 7 ½ year jail terms — have filed an appeal of the sentence.