Plea deal and sentencing Cutten murder case

◼ Second man sentenced in Cutten murder case
A man charged with the 2008 murder of Cutten resident Garrett Benson was sentenced Friday to 50 years to life after an unsuccessful attempt to withdraw his guilty plea.

Jonathan Henry Watson, 30, was sentenced for a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm enhancement, bringing 50 years to life with lifetime parole if he is released. He had accepted the terms as part of a plea deal from Deputy District Attorney Max Cardoza. Last week, Watson contested his plea.

On Monday, Watson attempted to change his plea, stating he was not fully competent due to medications when he pleaded no contest. He also stated that his counsel had not effectively represented him. The court determined there was not enough evidence to warrant separate counsel to review Watson's defense attorney Cathy Dreyfuss.

Judge Bruce Watson also rejected the defendant's request to change his plea Friday.

”I believe Mr. Watson was in full possession of his faculties at the time of his plea,” he said.