Two of four plead guilty in Tyler killing

Two out of four men involved in a home break-in and shooting that led to the ultimate death of a Ridge Spring man in 2009 pleaded guilty at the Aiken County Courthouse Wednesday afternoon.

Terrence Riley, 41, and Datron McFadden, 23, entered guilty pleas to charges linked to the death of Jerry Tyler of Whispering Pines Road, who was 34 at the time of his death.

Riley, McFadden, Riley's son 18-year-old Islam Dunn, and a now 16-year-old juvenile allegedly entered Tyler's home in the late hours of the night on June 12, 2009, and opened fire inside, killing Tyler instantly.

Riley pleaded guilty to murder, burglary in the first degree and attempted robbery. Murder carries a sentence of 30 years to life and is a "day-for-day crime," according to Aiken County Solicitor Strom Thurmond, Jr., which means that Riley will serve the exact amount of time to which he is sentenced for the murder charge. Burglary carries a sentence of 15 years to life and attempted armed robbery carries a sentence of zero to 20 years in prison.

McFadden pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted armed robbery. Voluntary manslaughter carries a sentence of two to 30 years, and attempted armed robbery can carry a sentence of zero to 20 years.

Thurmond recommended to Judge Jack Early that the sentences run concurrently. They will be sentenced during General Sessions in the next two weeks.

Dunn will face trial for his involvement during the court's general sessions.

The minor is currently in a juvenile detention facility, and the determination has not yet been made as to whether or not he will be tried as an adult.

Contact Anna Dolianitis at adolianitis@aikenstandard.com.