Suspect in fatal Provo shooting pleads guilty

PROVO, Utah (AP) — A Utah man has pleaded guilty to killing a Provo man last year as part of a deal that will remove the possibility of the death penalty.

The Daily Herald reports that 22-year-old Orem resident Jesse Gourdin pleaded guilty to felony charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault Wednesday. Other charges were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Gourdin’s charges carry a minimum sentence of 14 years in prison. A sentencing hearing has been set for Aug. 8.

Authorities have described the Gourdin’s fatal shooting of Gustavo Ramirez last March as a botched home burglary. Police say Gourdin forcibly entered a Provo home looking for money and almost immediately began firing.

Three other people arrested in the case have admitted their guilt in plea bargain arrangements.