Norman Pleas Guilty.
By: Whitney Ray
Updated: May 3, 2007
Surrounded by Arkansas State Troopers, retired trooper Larry Norman makes his way out of Benton County Circuit Judge Tom Keiths courtroom. Thursday, Norman changed his plea to guilty in the shooting death of Erin Hamley. On March 7th, 2006, Norman shot and killed the 21 year old who suffered from cerebral palsy and a mental handicap.
According to court documents, Norman mistook Hamley for a prison escape thought to be armed and dangerous. Norman fired a single shot from about 25 yards away and struck Hamley who way lying on the ground. Norman was charge with negligent homicide and pleaded not guilty.
Now, hes changed his plea. Neither Norman nor his attorney would comment about the plea change. Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Van Stone says they accepted the plea because it is the best thing for the Hamley family.
"They are in complete agreement with this way of preceding. It went a long way with them today that Mr. Norman stood in court and admitted that." said Stone.
