Venjah Hunte was arrested in connection with the shooting death of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor on November 30, 2007. Police believe that Hunte and three other men were attempting to rob Taylor's house but were surprised to find the athlete at home with his girlfriend, Jackie Garcia.
Prior to his April 2, 2009, court date, Hunte stated that he wished to withdraw his plea deal that would have required him to serve 29 years in prison for a guilty plea. His attorney has recommended against the action, however Hunte is seeking a new public defender be assigned to his case.ESPN.com: Man Wants to End Deal in Taylor Case
Plea Deal
On May 13, 2008, the state attorney's announced that they would not seek the death penalty for the four suspects accused of murdering the Redskins star. A life sentence is still entirely possible if the men are convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery. All four suspects initially pleaded not guilty.
On May 15, 2008, it was announced that Hunte would plead guilty in exchange for a guaranteed sentence of 29 years in prison. As a condition of his plea bargain, Hunte will likely be required to testify against the three other suspects during their trial, which was scheduled to begin August 25, 2008.
All the arrested men, Hunte, Eric Rivera Jr., Charles Wardlow and Jason Mitchell are from Fort Myers, Florida area.