Man, 20, sentenced to life in 2013 homicide

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a fatal shooting last year.

Dennis Haynes was sentenced Thursday by Judge Warren Wilbert in Sedgwick County District Court in connection with the death of Ronald Betts, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said in a statement. Betts was shot to death during a drug transaction and attempted robbery at 446 N. Emporia on April 18, 2013.

Haynes pleaded guilty Aug. 5 to first-degree felony murder, two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, attempted aggravated robbery and attempted possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. He will have to serve 20 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

He is one of six men charged in connection with Betts’ death.

Of the others:

▪ Kyler Carriker, 23, faces trial Oct. 6 on charges of first-degree felony murder and attempted possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

▪ Lorenzo Spires, 21, is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, attempted distribution of a hallucinogen and criminal possession of a firearm.

▪ Kyle Beltz, 23, was convicted at trial of first-degree felony murder and attempted unlawful cultivation or distribution of controlled substances and is serving life in prison.

▪ John Carter, 19, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, attempted aggravated robbery and attempted possession of marijuana with intent to sell and is serving 10 years and three months in prison.

Another defendant, 19-year-old Clifton Parks, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference hearing Oct. 23 in juvenile court. He is charged with first-degree felony murder and unlawful cultivation or distribution of controlled substances, according to district court records.

This story was originally published September 18, 2014 at 2:29 PM with the headline "Man, 20, sentenced to life in 2013 homicide."