Man Charged In Teen's Death Pleads Guilty
INDIANA, Pa. (KDKA) -- The man accused in the death of a teenager and putting his body in a barrel pleaded guilty in court today.
Jon Black will spend 10 to 20 years in prison for third-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Rodnell Burton of Homewood.
Burton's charred remains were found stuffed in a barrel and dumped in the Conemaugh River in 2010.
According to investigators, the motive may have been an unpaid drug debt.
"I think his feelings are that something happened and a life was lost. He was there when it took place, he felt bad about that," said Robert Bell, the defense attorney. "He does not believe that he was the person that was responsible, that's why he didn't want to admit to it."
"So, to get a murder three conviction here, I think it's good for the citizens of Indiana County," said Patrick Dougherty, the district attorney.
Black was also charged earlier this year with filing false reports to law enforcement for accusing two corrections officers of sexual misconduct.
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Hearing Postponed In Indiana Homicide Case (11/15/10)
Body In Barrel Suspect To Stand Trial (1/3/11)
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