February 16, 2008 NH man pleads guilty for his role in May 2006 beating of Barre, VT drug dealer

BARRE, Vt. (AP) - A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty yesterday to second degree murder for his role in the May 2006 beating death of a Barre drug dealer.

Twenty-nine-year-old Aaron Bassett of Enfield was the first of three men charged with killing James Saunders to be convicted.

Bassett is expected to be sentenced to 17 years to life in prison.

Both Leodor "Kahoona" Rousseau and Joshua Darling were charged in September 2006 with murder, kidnapping, assault and robbery. They are being held without bail.

Police say the beating death of Saunders came after he allegedly stole drug money.

Three Barre teenagers were paid $500 to lure Saunders into Rousseau's vehicle. They have been convicted of lesser charges.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)