No death penalty for man accused of killing ex-boyfriend in bar
-
A man accused of killing his ex-boyfriend in a popular gay bar will no longer face the death penalty after he reached a plea deal with the district attorney’s office. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- The man accused of killing his ex-boyfriend in a popular gay bar will not face the death penalty after reaching a plea deal with the district attorney’s office.
It was back in November that Tracy Kauffman flew from Knoxville, Tennessee to Las Vegas.
Police say he whipped out a gun inside The Garage, a popular gay bar, and fired several shots killing Phil Wells.
In court on Tuesday, he agreed to plead guilty to a charge of first degree murder with use of a deadly weapon.
Friends of Wells aren't pleased with deal the state offered, saying Kauffman deserves to die for what he did.
“The community is not pleased at all,” said Thomas Lahey, who attended the hearing. “They wanted the death penalty and because life was taken off the table, they're not happy with it at all.”
Kauffman could face additional 1-20 years in jail if the court determines that he used a deadly weapon during the crime.
Kauffman will be in district court next Tuesday where he will formally enter his plea.
Sentencing is scheduled to start approximately 60 days after that.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.