One of the suspects in a teenager’s killing agreed to a plea deal, according to the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Charles Epperson Jr. entered a guilty plea Monday to first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison with all but 13 years suspended.

Epperson was among four suspects who were initially arrested and charged in the January killing of Lance Carrington, 17, in Columbia. In May, a fifth suspect was arrested in Louisville, Kentucky.

All five suspects are charged with first- and second-degree murder. Police said the suspects are accused of trying to rob Carrington of a handgun. Carrington was found dead with a loaded handgun in his lap.

According to the ruling, Epperson’s sentence will take effect in January 2026 to allow him to testify in other trials.

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