MIDDLEBURG - There were two new developments in the homicide case against Travis D. Graham, 26, that occurred in the Snyder County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday.
Graham is charged in connection with the death of Jeffrey Stock, 46, court documents indicate.
Graham allegedly shot Stock in the stomach with a high powered rifle on March 22, police said.
Police allege Graham got a rifle from his house, then went to a road across from Stock's house. When Graham saw a figure on the porch, he shot Stock, police said.
After shooting Stock, Graham attempted to disassemble his rifle, using a torch to melt parts of the weapon, police said.
The remains of the rifle and scope later were found by officers with Graham's assistance, court documents indicate.
In documents, police allege Graham admitted to Stock's stepdaughter that he shot Stock.
During court proceedings on Wednesday, Snyder County District Attorney Michael Sholley and defense attorney George H. Matangos announced that a plea agreement had been reached, whereby the defendant would plead guilty to a amended charge of third degree murder and other related charges.
Graham was initially charged with criminal homicide, court documents indicate.
President Judge Harold F. Woelfel Jr. went through a long list of legal questions with the defendant to ensure he knew his rights and the potential consequences of pleading guilty.
Woelfel said that under the plea agreement Graham would serve a 20- to 40-year sentence in a state correctional facility, as well as an additional 10 years on probation.
Graham said he understood his rights, and he also acknowledged he was responsible for Stock's death.
Woelfel's attention then shifted to Stock's family, some of whom were present in the courtroom.
Woelfel asked Sholley if Stock's family was in favor of the plea agreement.
Sholley said the family does find the plea agreement acceptable.
Woelfel noted the admission of the amended charges and plea agreement into the court record; however, he added that he was not "accepting or rejecting the plea agreement at this time."
No sentencing date has been scheduled and pending further court action, Graham remains incarcerated in the Snyder County Correctional Facility.
