Tavares Fletcher pleads guilty to capital murder | News

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF)- On Wednesday around 1:30 p.m., Tavares Fletcher pleaded guilty to the capital murder of Jerry Richard.

The murder occurred while Richard was doing contract work overnight at Regions Bank on South Parkway in August, 2008. That's when Fletcher fatally shot Richard.

There will be a mini-trial next Monday in Judge O'Dell's courtroom.

Fletcher's attorney, Larry Morgan, said the death penalty was taken off the table. He said a plea agreement like this is only entered in with consent of the victim's family.

Richard's family members said this has been a hellish experience and they wouldn't wish it on anybody.

Fletcher's attorney said this was the quickest way to save taxpayers money and bring closure to the case.

Fletcher was already serving a life sentence without parole for the attempted murder and robbery of Huntsville gymnastics teacher, Meg Hall.

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