An 18-year-old Ogden man pleaded guilty Wednesday to brutally beating a party mate to death while robbing him in a motel here last October.
David Archuleta was to go to trial Wednesday on a first-degree capital murder charge in the death of Michael Early, 41, whom police termed a transient.But last minute negotiations with prosecutors instead resulted in Archuleta's guilty plea to a second-degree felony charge of manslaughter and a first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery.
Second District Judge Michael Lyon reminded Archuleta that he is not bound by the defendant's plea bargain arrangement and that he could be sentenced to consecutive terms. Manslaughter carries a term of one to 15 years and aggravated robbery, five years to life.
Prosecutors had expected to use a 23-year-old ex-girlfriend of Archuleta's as a prime witness. Maxine Rios was with Archuleta when he killed Early on Oct. 17 at the Motel Orleans.
Rios was originally a co-defendant in the case, but pleaded guilty to obstructing justice by helping Archuleta flee. She was sentenced last month to no more than one year in jail.
The pair had met Early a couple days earlier and were partying with him in his Ogden motel room. After Early became drunk, Archuleta decided to rob him. According to Rios, Archuleta donned gloves so he wouldn't bruise his knuckles and then savagely beat Early.
A medical examiner testified that Early suffered seven bone fractures and suffocated eight hours after the beating as swelling from throat wounds blocked his air passage.
Police said they found bloody clothing, a burned wallet, credit card and rings belonging to Early in Archuleta's possession.
The judge set sentencing for June 6.