Man accused in fatal downtown shooting agrees to plea deal

One of the two men accused in a fatal downtown Columbia shooting pleads guilty to a lesser charge.

Kesan McNeal, 24, admitted to hindering the prosecution of a felony on Tuesday. He was originally facing second degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a firearm in the shooting death of Joseph Hecht. The 38-year-old Sturgeon man was shot on Eighth and Locust streets in July.

Marlin Johnson is still charged with second degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a firearm in the case. McNeal is expected back in court on June 14.