Suspect in Mentzer Killing Pleads Guilty

One of two suspects in the grisly slaying of a former Trowbridge area resident has pleaded guilty and faces a lengthy prison term.

22-year-old Douglas Taylor pleaded guilty Thursday in Macon County Circuit Court to helping kill 23-year-old Justin Mentzer at Mentzer's home in Maroa in November 2012.

Taylor admitted to assisting with the killing, which involved stabbing, smothering and stomping Mentzer to death.  Mentzer and Taylor and the other suspect were at one time friends and Taylor and the other suspect reportedly watched a movie with Mentzer at his home before committing the murder.

Taylor faces 20 years to life in prison on a count of first degree murder accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty.

Taylor's sentencing is expected to take place in April.

Mentzer's family lived in the Trowbridge area until relocating to Macon County.  Mentzer's mother died of cancer just weeks before his death.