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May 17, 2012

25-year term given in killing

Man makes plea in 2010 case

By Dylan Goforth Phoenix Staff Writer

— A Park Hill man accused of shooting and killing Robert L. Audd in 2010 pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter Thursday in Cherokee County District Court.

Cherokee County Assistant District Attorney Jack Thorp said William James Christopher Lewis, 37, gave an “Alford plea” — essentially pleading guilty while maintaining innocence — and received a 25-year sentence.

James will have to serve a little more than 21 years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Audd’s body was found in a wooded area at his address in Teresita after the sheriff’s office was notified of a suspicious smell. The body was found underneath cardboard and leaves. Audd had been shot in the head and abdomen.

Lewis was arrested shortly afterward.

Cherokee County Sheriff’s investigators said Lewis was renting a house from Audd and was about to be evicted.

Lewis had been charged with first-degree murder but pleaded down to first-degree manslaughter, Thorp said.

Lewis also pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, knowingly concealing stolen property, second-degree burglary and possession of firearms after conviction of a felony.

Reach Dylan Goforth at (918) 684-2903 or dgoforth@muskogeephoenix.com.

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