A New Orleans man scheduled to stand trial in the shooting death of a man he spotted burglarizing his father’s vehicle outside of a Harvey bar instead pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, according to Jefferson Parish court records.
John Thomas III, 37, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and obstruction of justice in the death of Dillon Battiste.
Judge Frank Brindisi of the 24th Judicial District Court sentenced Thomas to 20 years in prison on each count, court records said.
Thomas’ father, John Thomas Jr., 53, of Marrero, still faces a charge of obstruction of justice in the case…