Man admits guilt in murder of Middletown resident

One of three men charged with being part of a gang and participating in a crime spree that resulted in two Middletown homicides has pleaded guilty.

Derrick Brown, 22, of 815 Crawford St., was indicted for attempted burglary, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, and aggravated murder for the death of Joseph Romano at his Lafayette Avenue home in November. He was also charged with participating in a criminal gang.

MORE: 3 charged in 2 Middletown murder allegedly part of a gang

At his arraignment last week in Butler County Common Pleas Court, he told Judge Greg Stephens he wanted to plead guilty.

Despite warnings from his attorney, Brown said, “your honor, I would rather just plead guilty.”

The judge said he would not accept the guilty plea until Brown had consulted with his attorney.

Today, Brown got his wish.

He answered “yes, Sir,” many times when the judge asked him if he understood his rights and what he was pleading to.

Brown’s attorney, Melynda Cook, said she had attempted to get Brown to consider a plea deal, but he refused.

Brown faces up to life in prison for the murder of Romano, with an additional 35 years behind bars for the other charges.

Sentencing was set for April 10.

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