Patrick is the second of three men to admit guilt in Payne's death on Dec. 1.
In May, Michael Geldrich, 36, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping and tampering with evidence. A charge of rape and a second charge of kidnapping were dismissed because Geldrich agreed to testify against Patrick and the third co-defendant, Michael Watson, according to Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell said.
Franklin police and Warren County prosecutors said Payne was beaten with a table leg while he slept on a couch in Geldrich's residence on Vernon Street.
Patrick was also staying at the residence with Geldrich and had been buying drugs from Payne, prosecutors said. Geldrich planned to rob Payne by putting a pillow case over his head, wrapping his limbs in Duct tape and then stealing his drugs and money.
According to prosecutors, Patrick agreed to loan Geldrich his truck to take Payne to another location after the robbery and leave him there. Although Patrick was not present, he gave Geldrich his phone to maintain contact with him during the robbery.
Geldrich struck Payne, restrained him, and stole drugs and money from him, according to police. Geldrich talked with Patrick in an effort to locate more drugs and money. But because they could not find additional drugs or money, Payne was severely beaten.
After the robbery, Geldrich used Patrick's truck to leave Payne, who was unresponsive at that point, at Atrium Medical Center. Payne later died from the injuries. For the planning of the aggravated robbery and the use of his truck, Patrick received approximately $40 that had been taken from Payne.
Police used surveillance video from Atrium Medical Center to identify Patrick's truck. Franklin police arrested and charged Patrick, Geldrich and Watson.
Watson, 39, of Franklin, who was present during the assault, faces aggravated murder and aggravated robbery charges. He is to be tried July 28.
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