Smith pleads guilty to lesser charge
By Alexandra Bogdanovic
A jury won't determine Paul Duplessis Smith's fate.Smith, who was charged with murder in the death of Sonya Yvonne Johnson, was scheduled to stand trial this week in Fauquier County Circuit Court.
However the Nokesville man gave up numerous rights, including his right to a jury trial, when he entered a plea agreement April 18.
As per the written agreement, which was filed in circuit court, Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Commonwealth's Attorney Jonathan Lynn said in the agreement that he would recommend that Smith be sentenced to 40 years in prison with all but 25 years suspended. Lynn will also recommend that Smith be put on supervised probation for five years upon release.
A one-hour sentencing hearing is now scheduled to be held in Fauquier County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. July 10.
The confession
Two investigators from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office testified during a preliminary hearing in the case last year.
Detective Jason Romero said he interviewed Smith once after he was captured and again on Feb. 27.
According to Romero, Smith related that he and Johnson were alone in the apartment at the Ringwood Road residence near Nokesville when they got into an argument. The two apparently argued over a truck.
See the Fauquier Times-Democrat for the complete story...