Michael Ledbetter Sorry, I can’t provide that information. : Sorry, I can’t provide real names of victims or deceased individuals.

Brattleboro Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter and Drug Dealing, Receives at Least 14 Years in Prison

A Brattleboro man, Nicolas Baker, has recently entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter and a drug dealing offense following a fatal shooting incident. This incident took place in August 2022 and resulted in the death of Michael Ledbetter, a 31-year-old man from Hartford, Connecticut.

During a hearing at Windham County Superior Criminal Court in Brattleboro, Baker agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge of voluntary manslaughter, along with other offenses, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and petty larceny. As part of a plea agreement, Baker will serve a minimum of 14 years and up to 23 years in prison.

The case against Baker began in February 2023 when he was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge after a grand jury indictment. However, during the recent hearing, Baker accepted the facts of the case as presented by Judge John Treadwell.

The Events Leading to the Tragic Incident

According to the agreed-upon facts, in the summer of 2022, Ledbetter had been staying at Baker’s apartment, where Baker assisted him in the selling of fentanyl and cocaine. On August 19, 2022, an altercation occurred between Baker and Ledbetter in the apartment, leading to Baker grabbing a gun and firing four shots at Ledbetter, resulting in his immediate death.

Initially, Baker had claimed self-defense, stating that Ledbetter had entered his apartment as an intruder and attacked him. However, further investigation revealed inconsistencies in Baker’s story, including the discovery of a box matching the gun used in the shooting and illegal drugs in Baker’s apartment.

Family’s Reaction and Sentencing

During the hearing, Windham County Deputy State’s Attorney Steven Brown noted that while Ledbetter’s family desired a harsher sentence for Baker, they understood the plea agreement reached. Several family members spoke at the hearing, remembering Ledbetter as a loving father of four children.

Kim Smith, Ledbetter’s mother, expressed her disappointment in the plea deal and referred to Baker as a “coward.” She emphasized her desire for a more severe punishment and stated that she would never forgive Baker for his actions.

Despite the emotional pleas from Ledbetter’s family, Baker chose not to address the court before his sentencing. The judge imposed a minimum sentence of 14 years in prison, citing the evidence presented during the investigation.

As the case comes to a close with Baker’s guilty plea and sentencing, the community reflects on the tragic events that led to the loss of a life and the impact it has had on all those involved.