The 22-year-old man arrested for the June 2022 murder of 25-year-old Anthony Colden, II, has pleaded guilty to several charges, including voluntary manslaughter and child abuse, officials confirmed Thursday.
Londell Thompson, Jr. was initially charged with second-degree murder and multiple firearm-related offenses in connection with the homicide that occurred on Golf Park Drive.
However, following a shift in eyewitness testimony, Thompson pleaded guilty to amended charges in a hearing at Lynchburg Circuit Court.
Thompson pleaded guilty to two amended charges:
Voluntary Manslaughter and Unlawfully Shooting into an Occupied Building. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of Child Abuse.
As part of the plea agreement, several charges were dropped, including Felony Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony, Misdemeanor Reckless Handling of a Firearm, Misdemeanor Willful Discharge of a Firearm in the City, and Misdemeanor Brandishing a Firearm.
Officials explained that these charges were nolle prosequi, meaning they would not proceed, due to the amendment of the original charges.
The shift in charges came after changes in the eyewitness testimony.
In a statement, the Colden family was said to have been consulted about the plea deal and agreed to the terms. However, the case has not yet concluded, as there is no agreement on sentencing at this time.
Thompson's sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., before Judge Yeatts in the Lynchburg Circuit Court. The 22-year-old faces the following possible penalties:
Voluntary Manslaughter: 1-10 years in prison
Unlawful Shooting into an Occupied Building: 1-5 years
Child Abuse: 1-5 years
The case, which has drawn significant attention from the local community, stems from a tragic shooting incident that occurred on June 1, 2022, in Lynchburg.
Authorities have expressed their commitment to seeing the matter through to its conclusion as Thompson prepares to face sentencing in just a few months.
For now, the Colden family, who lost a loved one in this senseless tragedy, will have to wait until the spring for final closure.
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