Man Pleads To Charges He Killed Neighbor

Defendant Was Driving Victim's Truck When He Surrendered To Deputies

Published On: Oct 14 2011 02:08:47 PM EDT  Updated On: Sep 01 2010 05:43:27 AM EDT
MACCLENNY, Fla. -

A Baker County man facing charges he killed his neighbor last year pleaded no contest on Wednesday to charges of second-degree murder and robbery.

Aaron Fox was arrested in April 2009 and charged with killing 56-year-old Sterling Howell.

Fox's mother tipped off the Baker County Sheriff's Office, saying she overheard her son with someone plotting an attack on Howell right before he left their home off County Road 229 wearing gloves.

Deputies found Howell stabbed to death and his truck was missing. Fox surrendered to deputies the next day about five miles from Howell's home. He was driving the victim's stolen truck.

Fox was scheduled to begin serving a short sentence for DUI with property damage later that week.

Investigators said at the time that Fox and Howell were friends and they believe the motive for the slaying was robbery. They believe Fox killed Howell for his ATM PIN.

According to his attorney, Fox, 26, agreed to plead no contest in exchange for a 50-year prison term.

Final sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

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