JONESBORO — The father-in-law of a Jonesboro businessman who was fatally shot in August 2011 pleaded guilty to first-degree murder Tuesday, Prosecuting Attorney Scott Ellington said.

Carl Kelley, 59, of Paragould entered the plea Tuesday morning in Craighead County Circuit Court in the death of Marc Despain, 34, of Jonesboro.

Ellington, who originally charged Kelley with capital murder, said he will recommend a sentence of 35 years in prison.

Circuit Judge Victor Hill will hand down a sentence Jan. 4.

Police have said Kelley conspired with three others, including his daughter, Michelle Despain, in a murder-for-hire plot.

Authorities said Marc Despain was shot in the kitchen of his Jenni Lane home in southwest Jonesboro about 3 p.m. Aug. 24, 2011.

Ellington said Tuesday that he could not comment on the motive in the slaying.

Kelley’s plea Tuesday came as the result of negotiations with his public defender, Katherine Streett of Little Rock.

Streett said Tuesday thatthe case was not yet concluded and she couldn’t comment.

“I don’t feel comfortable doing so,” Streett said.

Police arrested Kelley on Aug. 31, 2011, along with Terrance Odell Barker, 28, of Jonesboro and Johnny Hubbard, 52, of Jonesboro. The three were charged with capital murder.

Baker pleaded guilty to firstdegree murder in May after Ellington offered him a lesser charge in exchange for his testimony against the others. He was sentenced to 35 years.

Hubbard then pleaded guilty to hindering apprehension in June and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Ellington said Hubbard introduced Barker to Kelley when they planned to kill Marc Despain. The prosecutor said Kelley drove Barker to Despain’s home and let him inside, where he waited for Despain.

“Today’s plea came with Barker’s willingness to testify against the others,” Ellington said. “That put the burden on Kelley.”

Michelle Despain was arrested in May 2012 and charged with capital murder. Ellington said her trial will be in February and that Kelley will not testify against his daughter.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 12/05/2012