Suspect in NFL player's slaying to change plea

[June 12, 2009]  MIAMI (AP) -- One of the five men charged in the slaying of Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor is seeking to withdraw his guilty plea.

A hearing is scheduled Friday morning in Miami on the request by 21-year-old Venjah Hunte.

Under a plea deal, Hunte would serve no more than 29 years in return for his cooperation. If he withdraws his guilty plea, Hunte could face a life sentence like his four co-defendants.

The 24-year-old player died after being shot in an attempted robbery at his Miami-area home in November 2007. He was an All-Pro safety with the Redskins who starred in college at the University of Miami.

All five suspects are from the Fort Myers area and are being held without bail. Their trial is currently set for Jan. 18.

[Associated Press]

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