The trial for the murder James "Cake Daddy" Christian abruptly ended when the 2nd defendant opted to take a plea deal on Thursday morning.

James "Cake Daddy" Christian was murdered on April 8, 2009 at about 3 am in front of his home on Bruce Road, off Highway 309 south. Two weeks later, the Sheriff's Office arrested and charged 16 year old Marquez Taylor and 25 year old Willie Earl McGriff with murder.

Marquez Taylor

Willie Earl McGriff

District Attorney Joe Mulholland stated that after the trial for the 2 had begun, Marquez Taylor decided he would rather take a plea for voluntary manslaughter about midday on Tuesday.

On Wednesday afternoon, Taylor testified against Willie Earl McGriff.  McGriff, also choosing not to face the jury trial, took a voluntary manslaughter plea first thing on Thursday morning.

Superior Court Judge Wallace Cato sentenced each of the two to 20 years to serve in prison.

In another homicide coming to trial
Erik Kawuan Williams, 27, also took a plea in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend Yetta Parker last December.

He reported the death was a suicide but very quickly deputies were very suspicious of the story.  The shooting occurred early morning on December 27 at 451 Robinson Mitchell Road, in northeast Decatur County. Williams was held and the arrest warrant for the homicide was issued .

The 27 year old Williams was also sentenced by Judge Cato to 20 years to serve in prison.

DA Joe Mulholland stated he was pleased these 3 individuals are going to prison for the next 20 years.