Topeka Resident Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder and Other Charges

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today Topeka resident Brittny Marie Adams, 20; plead guilty to intentional second-degree murder for the death of Gary Edens and no contest to two counts of felony criminal threat, which were made to a corrections officer at the Douglas County Jail. 

Officers with the Lawrence Police Department were called by a neighbor to the 600 block of Michigan Street in Lawrence on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at approximately 6:20 p.m. after murder victim Mr. Gary Edens was shot in the back of the head by the defendant just outside the front door of his apartment.

Depending on Ms. Adams’ previous criminal history, as determined by the presentence investigation ordered by the Court, Ms. Adams faces a prison sentence of 147-653 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections for count one and 5-17 months each for counts two and three.  As part of the plea agreement, Ms. Adams agreed that all three counts should run consecutively and that she would serve her prison time and not file any departure motions or request probation.  Her sentencing is scheduled for February 28 at 9:00 a.m.

Today’s hearing was held in the courtroom of the Honorable Sally D. Pokorny.  The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department, with assistance provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple and D.A. Charles Branson.