ANOKA, Minn. – (Dec. 14, 2017) – Two defendants charged in a Fridley murder pleaded guilty in Anoka County District Court Monday.
Johnny Earl Edwards
Johnny Earl Edwards, 44, pleaded guilty to second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony. Prosecutors will argue at sentencing for a prison term of 23-30 years, which represents an aggravated sentence based on Edwards’ violent criminal history.
Bryston Markeis Hill-Turnipseed, 35, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of aiding an offender during the commission of second-degree unintentional murder while committing a felony.
Bryston Hill-Turnipseed
Per a plea agreement, Hill-Turnipseed has agreed to 11 1/2 years in prison.
Both men will be sentenced Feb. 13.
Edwards and Hill-Turnipseed were charged for their roles in a May 27 shooting at a residence in Fridley, which resulted in the death of 54-year-old James Lamont Chapman.
Edwards was accused of being the gunman. Hill-Turnipseed allegedly made arrangements to go to the residence to purchase marijuana from the would-be victim.
“We feel, after lengthy discussions with the victim’s family, that this is a just resolution to the case,” said Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo.
