Suspect In Sonic Shooting Recants Guilty Plea

He said he did it, but he has changed his mind.

James Garrett Jr. now says he did not murder a short-order cook at a drive-in restaurant in Raleigh.

Garrett pleaded guilty last week to shooting Donald Kersey back in September at the Sonic on Atlantic Avenue. But Thursday, Garrett recanted.

The guilty plea would have spared Garrett a possible death sentence if he is convicted. He will be getting a new lawyer and a new trial date.

Garrett, 34, is one of three suspects charged with murder, armed robbery and attempted robbery in connection with the shooting. Garrett's girlfriend, 16-year-old Nitesha Sherri Martin, a student at Garner High School, also is a suspect.