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Man accused of deadly Jennings Co. gun store robbery enters plea

NORTH VERNON, Ind. (WISH) — The man police believe was the shooter in the murder of a Jennings County gun store owner could be granted a plea agreement.

Darryl Worthen, 25, of Indianapolis entered a plea agreement in federal court Monday. He could still face spending the rest of his life in prison.

According to 24-Hour News 8’s partners at The Republic, the plea deal was entered in the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.

The U.S. District Attorney said a sentencing hearing would not happen until after a pre-sentence investigation is finished, which could take about 70 to 90 days.

According to the plea agreement, Darryl Worthen would plead guilty to discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death and robbery charges. The first could send Darryl Worthen to prison for life while the robbery charge is a potential 20 year sentence.

Dejaun Worthen, Darion Harris and Darryl Worthen were all arrested in connection to the murder of Scott Maxie, 61, and the robbery of the Jennings County store.

Prosecutors say that Darryl Worthen is responsible for firing the fatal shot. Maxie was armed, but was found dead with his gun holstered.

Police credit surveillance video and witness statements, for helping them track down vehicles that were linked to the crime.

The men were originally charged with two counts of murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. Those charges were dropped and refiled in the U.S. District Court.

The U.S. District Attorney said a federal conviction would require the defendants to spend 85 percent of the sentence in prison instead of 50 percent.

Police said they recovered four of the 45 stolen guns and some ammunition when they searched the men’s apartment. The gun that fatally shot Maxie was never recovered.