Montano Plea Deal Update
Written by broebling on January 22, 2018
Monday afternoon Michael Montano, age 37, appeared before District Judge Michael Nick Deegan. Montano pleaded no contest to second degree murder charges in the deaths of Phillip Brewer and Jody Fortuna.
The two men’s dismembered remains were discovered in October 2016.
Besides the no contest pleas for the two second degree murder charges, Montano also pleaded guilty to the mutilation to their dead bodies.
The difference between 2nd degree murder and 1st degree murder is the ability to prove premeditation. Under the plea agreement the prosecution and defense recommended a minimum sentence of 51 years and 196 days for each count of 2nd degree murder and a maximum of life. They recommended a 2 ½ year minimum and a 3 year maximum for each count of mutilation of dead bodies.
The four sentences would run concurrent . Montano had been scheduled to stand trial next week.
Deegan emphasized that he doesn’t have to abide by the agreement at sentencing which is anticipated to take place in late April.
