A Big Chimney man who was facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of his friend pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter.
Thomas Elton Fluty Jr., 59, stabbed Benny Anderson, 59, of Clendenin, at a home on Chimney Drive in February. Anderson had been staying with Fluty for several months and the two had been longtime friends, according to prosecutors.
Assistant Kanawha Prosecutor Maryclaire Akers said Monday that Fluty was allowed to plead to the lesser charge after evidence indicated there had been a fight between the two men.
After the stabbing, Fluty "attempted to render aid to the victim and called 911," Akers said. "The two men had been friends for many years."
Fluty's mother gave a statement to police that she heard the argument but didn't witness the stabbing, the prosecutor said. She was the only other person in the home, according to Akers.
Fluty will be sentenced on Feb. 8 by Kanawha Circuit Judge Charles King. He faces a determinate term between three and 15 years in prison.
As part of a deal, prosecutors agreed to stand silent at the sentencing and not advocate for a specific jail term, Akers said.