TAYLOR Co., FL (WTXL) - One of two men who were waiting to stand trial for the murder of Taylor County Teacher Shelly Strickland, has turned down a plea deal.
Manden Whiddon and his father Rodney Whiddon are charged with first degree murder in Strickland's death. Garrett Arrowood, Strickland's nephew, was convicted of her murder in April and sentenced to life in prison.
According to court records, the plea would have lessened the first degree murder charge changed to accessory to murder, carrying five years in prison.
In addition, he would have served 15 years for armed burglary and dealing in stolen property. Those would be consecutive, totaling 20 years behind bars followed by one year probation.
As part of the deal, a fourth charge, possessing a firearm, would have been dropped. In exchange, Manden would be required to testify in his father's case.
The father and son were expected to appear before a jury on June 21, almost a year after Strickland was killed.
Since then, Manden's trial has been postponed, and the courts said the same will likely happen to Rodney. Manden has also hired a new, private attorney.
