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McCook Gazette

Sentencing Aug. 10 in kidnapping, manslaughter conviction

Monday, July 3, 2017
John Leahy III

TRENTON, Neb. — John Leahy III, 25, pleaded no contest to kidnapping and manslaughter in the death of a McCook man in 2014.

At his sentencing Aug. 10, Leahy could receive one to 50 years in prison.

Leahy was originally charged with first-degree murder in the death of Austin Wright, 18, McCook, who was assaulted, wrapped in a hooded sweatshirt around his head and left to die near Palisade.

Leahy also pleaded no contest to possession of meth with intent to deliver.

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  • Letter to the Editor,

    The main story should be how the METH has taken so many of our youth, whether in life or in prison.

    This in response to the headline article July 3, 2017. this was a cut and paste from the

    Hitchcock County paper. There are some misleading ideas and facts that are wrong. Yes John Leahy III did take a plea of no contest on the following charges but it is important to explain each charge and that no contest is a plea of neither guilt or innocence. In Nebraska the drug law for meth is very strong. (which is good) The drug charge that the defendant faced was 20 to 50 yrs. In Colorado with 4 times as much the average is 3 years. So the plea was taken solely on the bases of the drug charge. Now, the charges of Manslaughter is listed as accidental and the kidnapping has a special classification that states that Austin Write was left in a safe place and in good condition. It is important to look at the charges that are public record. For the past three years the news has been reporting that another person was also involved and that He (Nathan DeLoach) was the one that put the hoody over his head. This is also his statement and is public record. Never has it been said that John did this. Please look into the public records and then report or form your opinion.

    This is a bad ordeal for everyone involved and I pray that we all can forgive each other.

    John Leahy Jr. father

    -- Posted by jlsupply@yahoo.com on Wed, Jul 5, 2017, at 1:20 PM
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