July 30, 2002

Contact: Lynn Kimbrough, 720-913-9025

HAGOS CO-DEFENDANT PLEADS GUILTY

A man accused of helping Abraham Hagos kill a witness in 1998 has pleaded guilty in connection with the case today.

21-year-old Samnang Prim (DOB:9-16-80) pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and crime of violence.  As part of the plea, Prim agreed to a stipulated sentence ranging from 80 to 96 years in prison.  The exact sentence will be determined by the judge when Prim appears for sentencing on September 13, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. in Denver District Court, division 13.

Prim was originally indicted for first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy in the death of James Roberts in November 1998.  His trial was set to begin in September and he was appearing in court today for a motions hearing when the plea arrangement was reached.

Hagos was convicted by a Denver jury in April of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, conspiracy and retaliation against a witness; he is awaiting sentencing.

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