TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Topeka man charged with rape and capital murder in the death of an 18-year-old jogger is preparing to enter a plea in the case.
Dustin Leftwich, 21, previously pleaded not guilty to killing Brenna Morgart last May and dumping her body several miles from where she was hit by a vehicle.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that prosecutors and a defense lawyer told a Shawnee County judge on Tuesday that Leftwich will enter a plea Thursday. He had been scheduled for a motions hearing that day.
Morgart was killed May 25, five days after she graduated with honors from Seaman High School.
Leftwich was initially accused of committing premeditated first-degree murder by hitting Morgart with his vehicle. Prosecutors amended the charges in November to include rape and capital murder.