Suspect in Vital Murder Enters Plea

03/19/2010
CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com District Attorney Charles Branson announced today that Major C. Edwards, Jr., 30, of Lawrence, entered a guilty plea today to Voluntary Manslaughter in the death of Anthony Vital. Vital was found dead on October 15th, 2006, near 780 Highway 40 west of Lawrence. Douglas County Sheriff's Office detectives have tirelessly worked leads, conducted interviews and collected evidence with the intent to find the truth that would ultimately lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Edwards was one of two men charged in the death of Vital. Durell A. Jones, is awaiting trial on the charge of First Degree Murder and is scheduled for trial on May 17, 2010. "The case has been considered ongoing since 2006 and remains ongoing." said District Attorney Branson. Branson declined to give any further details about the investigation. Edwards sentencing will be on April 20, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.. It is believed he will face 216 months or 18 years in prison. Sentencing is dependent on Edwards' criminal history. The charges against Jones are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com