Iraq War Vet Makes Plea Deal in Vegas Slay

[deadparrot]

LAS VEGAS - An Iraq war veteran agreed to plead guilty to a weapons charge Friday in a deal with prosecutors that requires him to get counseling but drops murder and attempted murder charges.

Matthew Sepi, who was carrying an assault rifle on his way to buy beer at a convenience store, was accused of using the weapon to kill a woman and wound a man on his way home.

Prosecutor Chris Owens said the July shooting was self-defense and that Kevin Ratcliff fired at least one shot with a handgun before Sepi pulled the AK-47 assault rifle from beneath his coat.

Sharon Jackson, 47, was killed and Ratcliff, 36, was wounded in the legs.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050924/ap_on_re_us/soldier_slaying