VIA: Cincinnati Enquirer
The brother of the man who killed a member of rapper TI’s entourage in 2006 admitted his role Wednesday in the murder but he likely won’t face any additional prison time for it.
Padron Thomas, 41, pleaded guilty Wednesday to manslaughter, tampering with evidence and five counts of felonious assault.
Thomas admitted he was driving a vehicle north on Interstate 75 in a May 3, 2006, incident when his younger brother, Hosea Thomas, fired several shots into vans carrying TI and his friends. The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, wasn’t hit but his friend Philant “Big Phil” Johnson was killed and three others wounded.
Hosea Thomas was convicted in a 2008 trial – partly because his brother testified against him – and sent to prison for 66 years to life by Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Ralph “Ted” Winkler.
The killing was unsolved until Padron Thomas was arrested on federal drug and gun charges and prosecutors struck a deal with him.
In exchange for testifying against his brother, prosecutors allowed Padron Thomas, originally charged with murder, to plead to the lesser charges. He also is allowed to serve his prison sentence in Wednesday’s conviction – he and prosecutors agreed to 10 years – at the same time as the 17-year federal prison sentence he is serving on the gun and drug charges.
That means he’ll serve no additional time for his role in Johnson’s murder.
The original charges against Padron Thomas carried a maximum prison sentence of 55 years.
Padron Thomas also was charged with tampering with evidence for painting the vehicle he was driving that night a different color.
The official sentencing date is Nov. 17 but the judge indicated Wednesday he will impose the 10-year sentence and allow it to run at the same time as Thomas’ federal prison sentence.
Hosea Thomas was upset he’d been hit in the head with a bottle at a Roselawn party attended by TI and his posse following a concert. Enraged, he got in the vehicle and the brothers chased the rapper’s van up the interstate before Hosea Thomas opened fire.
Hosea Thomas is eligible for parole in 2074 when he is 100 years old.
