TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Second Fanning murder suspect headed to trial

ADVERTISEMENT

By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: May 22, 2009

SEBRING - A second defendant charged in the 2007 murder of Bryan "Red" Fanning now has an October trial date.

Leeann Parker, 27, of Lake Wales, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery and arson. At her Wednesday pretrial conference, the court set an Oct. 7 jury trial status and an Oct. 12 trial selection.

Two others, Brandon Johns, 30, and Terrence Barnett, 27, are also charged in connection with Fanning's death. The victim's body was found inside his trailer at 3301 DeSoto City Road on Aug. 22, 2007, after emergency crews responded to a fire there.

Investigators said Fanning was "hog tied" inside the home. A ruling from the medical examiner's office revealed the victim was alive at the time the fire was set.

Johns has a status conference scheduled for July 27, while Barnett is set for a July 6 jury trial, according to records from the Highlands County Clerk of Courts.
Assistant State Attorney Steve Houchin previously filed a motion of intent to seek death for both Johns and Barnett. At Parker's Wednesday conference, he said hers would not be a death penalty case.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT