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Teen pleads guilty to killing, attempting to rob Chesterfield store owner

Posted at 12:39 PM, Aug 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-19 10:43:30-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- The 19-year-old man charged with shooting and killing a Chesterfield store owner entered an Alford plea, which means he does not admit guilt, but acknowledges there is enough evidence from the prosecution to get a conviction, Thursday morning.

Trayvon Wilhite also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, using a firearm during commission of a felony and conspiring with another to commit a felony.

Wilhite is one of three teens charged in the Jan. 11 robbery attempt and murder of 55-year-old Harshad Patel at his Marketplace convenience store at 6811 Walmsley Boulevard.

Thursday, the prosecution played surveillance video that shows Wilhite walking into that store, pointing the gun at Patel. Patel crouches down, and Wilhite shoots him. Patel later died at the hospital, leaving behind his wife and young twin daughters.

WTVR CBS 6 received copies of a transcript of Wilhite's interview with Chesterfield detectives after the incident. In the interview, Wilhite told police he never intended to shoot anyone, and it had been a robbery gone wrong. He said he was high on acid when it happened, and he did not remember pulling the trigger.

Wilhite, who faces up to life in prison., is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 15.

The other teen charged in the crime is Tyqise Wilhite, 14, Trayvon's younger brother. He will have a hearing Aug. 25.

Thomas Jennings III will be in court Aug. 30.

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