Alleged SC killer’s plea deal dropped in dispute

SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (AP) — A man accused of gunning down his estranged wife in a Summerville restaurant parking lot will stand trial next week after a judge rejected his plea deal.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports (http://bit.ly/wuKWKH) the deal offered to 48-year-old Randal William Benton was tossed Friday after he didn’t admit the facts would likely prove his guilt.

Benton is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 35-year-old Treva Dawn Benton in October 2010.

Randal Benton was offered an Alford plea that would have brought him a 40-year sentence with no chance of parole. The plea doesn’t require a defendant to admit the act, but admits that the prosecution could likely prove the charge.

Benton said he didn’t know if he agreed with the facts the solicitor presented Friday.

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Information from: The Post and Courier, http://www.postandcourier.com