Second man pleads guilty in 2022 West Chester gang-related shooting death

Hand holding gavel in front of American flag

Credit: Terry Why

Credit: Terry Why

Hand holding gavel in front of American flag

A second man charged in a 2022 West Chester Twp. gang-related fatal shooting pleaded guilty in Butler County Common Pleas Court to a lesser charge two weeks before his trial.

Garreontai A. Holmes and Robert Morris, both 22, were indicted by a grand jury for aggravated murder and other felonies in February 2023 for the slaying of 22-year-old Keshon Sanders on Oct. 20, 2022. Sanders was found in his car, shot multiple times, at Meadow Ridge Apartments. He was taken to West Chester UC Hospital, where he died.

On Jan. 22. Holmes took a negotiated plea to the charge of involuntary manslaughter and the remainder of the charges were dismissed, according to court records.

Garreontai Allen BUTLER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

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Holmes faces a maximum of 16.5 years in prison. Sentencing by Judge Greg Stephens is set for March 8.

In December Morris’ pleaded guilty in the middle of trial to murder with a three-year-gun specification. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 21 years.

Robert Morris sits during opening statements of his trial in Butler County Common Pleas Court for the shooting death of 22-year-old Keshon Sanders on Oct. 20, 2022. Sanders was found in his car, shot multiple times, at Meadow Ridge Apartments in West Chester Township. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

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Credit: Nick Graham

After the prosecution presented its case, ending with the testimony of a West Chester Police detective, Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser said the defense sought a plea agreement.

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