WDAM.com Laurel-Hattiesburg, MS The Pinebelt's Choice For News, Sports and Weather | Man accused of killing Laurel teacher to plead guilty
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LAUREL, MS (WDAM) - A man accused of murdering a Laurel school teacher is expected to plead guilty to capital murder charges Wednesday in an apparent effort to avoid the death penalty.
Ricky Gavin, 24, is accused of murdering Mason Elementary School teacher Rebecca Pruitt in her home on Thanksgiving weekend 2008.
A 17-year-old accomplice, Kenya Davis, was also charged with capital murder but pleaded guilty to the charge in August and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors said Gavin and Davis went to Pruitt's home to steal her plasma t.v. and money.
Pruitt was stabbed 18 times in the back, and her purse, cell phone, and car were stolen. The suspects also poured gasoline on the woman and tried to set her house on fire.
According to court documents, Gavin agreed to plead guilty to capital murder in exchange for life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Court records also show Pruitt's parents and husband agreed to the plea deal saying it was in the best interest of the family.
