Fort Thompson brothers plead guilty to murder, manslaughter

LOWER BRULE (AP) — Two Fort Thompson men have pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with the beating death of another man.

U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson says 22-year-old Alphonso Drapeau, III, and 20-year-old Gavin Drapeau pleaded guilty before a U.S. District Court judge on Tuesday.

Alphonso Drapeau pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Gavin Drapeau pleaded guilty to a voluntary manslaughter charge. That charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Authorities say the brothers hit and stomped on another man on Oct. 2. The victim died eight days later.

Sentencing for the two men is scheduled for July 3.

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