By Staff
Melissa Cason
A Morgan County man entered an open plea to assault and burglary charges Friday for his part in the beating of an elderly couple two years ago.
Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said Adam Dewayne Lucas, 24, of 805 Brentwood Drive in Decatur, entered an open plea of guilt for the charges of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary, and second-degree assault.
Rushing said Lucas and his co-defendant followed an elderly couple home from downtown Russellville on Jan. 2, 2007. Once they arrived at the residence, they asked to use the couple's phone. When the male victim brought the phone to him outside of the house, he was assaulted several times in the face with a cane. A female victim was also assaulted during the robbery.
"One of the victims received significant damage to his face, and had to undergo reconstructive surgery after the attack," Rushing said.
Rushing said items taken from the couple during the attack include a purse, wallet, and house keys.
"They didn't actually get much money, but the damage to the couple was very significant," Rushing said.
Rushing said the open plea of guilt means that his office did not agree to a lesser sentence in exchange for it.
"It basically means that the judge can decide the sentence just as if the case was tried and he was convicted by a jury," Rushing said. "We are asking for a life sentence in this case."
Rushing said the victims are satisfied with the plea of guilt.
Sentencing is expected to be handed down some time next month.