Former Midway volunteer firefighter Calvin Chipp pleaded guilty Tuesday to a charge of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the April 16, 2005, shooting of Roger Harrell outside the Sky Box bar.
Chipp also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Together, he faces a 25-year mandatory sentence.
Chipp shot Harrell with an AK-47 assault rifle, hitting him in the chest and leg during an argument that began inside the Midway bar and then spilled out into the parking lot.
According to Pres Smith from the Liberty County District Attorney’s office, Chipp would have faced one count of felony murder and one count murder.
By pleading to the lesser charges, he avoids a trial in front of a jury where, if found guilty, he could have faced life in prison.
During a sentencing hearing earlier this year, Harrell’s parents testified they were in agreement to the possibility of Chipp pleading guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter.
Chipp also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Together, he faces a 25-year mandatory sentence.
Chipp shot Harrell with an AK-47 assault rifle, hitting him in the chest and leg during an argument that began inside the Midway bar and then spilled out into the parking lot.
According to Pres Smith from the Liberty County District Attorney’s office, Chipp would have faced one count of felony murder and one count murder.
By pleading to the lesser charges, he avoids a trial in front of a jury where, if found guilty, he could have faced life in prison.
During a sentencing hearing earlier this year, Harrell’s parents testified they were in agreement to the possibility of Chipp pleading guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter.