| Ark. Man Accused in 4 Boat Deaths Pleads Guilty PlusArk. Man Accused in 4 Boat Deaths Pleads GuiltyArk. Man Accused in 4 Boat Deaths Pleads GuiltyThe Associated PressOne of two men accused of killing four people aboard a fishing charter last year pleaded guilty Thursday in exchange for an agreement that prosecutors will not seek the death penalty. (July 24)[Notes:VO--FILE OF FISHING VESSEL] THE BODIES OF FOUR CREW MEMBERS WHO DISAPPEARED FROM THIS CHARTER VESSEL LAST FALL HAVE NEVER BEEN FOUND. [Notes:VO--FILE COURTROOM SKETCH]BUT THURSDAY --- ONE OF TWO PASSENGERS ABOARD THE BOAT "JOE COOL" -- KIRBY ARCHER -- PLEADED GUILTY TO FOUR COUNTS OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN EXCHANGE FOR ESCAPING THE DEATH PENALTY. [Notes:VO --COURTROOM SKETCH OF 2 DEFENDANTS] AUTHORITIES SAY ARCHER HAD STOLEN MONEY FROM HIS JOB AND WAS ON THE RUN LAST FALL -- WHEN HE AND HIS PARTNER -- 20 YEAR OLD GUILLERMO ZARABOZO --- HIRED THE BOAT TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS -- AND THEN TRIED TO DIVERT IT TO CUBA. [Notes:VO --FILE OF BOAT]ZARABOZO BLAMES ARCHER FOR THE KILLINGS AND HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY.BUT PROSECUTORS ARE SUSPICIOUS OF THE CLAIM -- SAYING TWO GUNS WERE USED IN THE CRIME. ARCHER HAD ORIGINALLY PLEADED NOT GUILTY...BUT CHANGED THAT PLEA AS PART OF HIS AGREEMENT WITH PROSECUTORS. ___ ___, The Associated Press. Tags: missing boaters ark. accused boat deaths pleads guilty |