Man rejects plea deal now facing possible life in prison in fatal shooting in York

A man who’s accused of fatally shooting someone outside a corner store in York rejected a plea agreement on Tuesday that called for a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison.

Dion Beard Jr., 29, of York, was set to plead guilty to third-degree murder. But he’s now opting to go to trial on charges of first-degree murder and recklessly endangering another person. The case is scheduled to begin on Nov. 13.

READ:'He didn't deserve this:' Teen to serve 10 to 20 years for fatal shooting in York

“His desire is to request a trial?” Common Pleas Judge Michael E. Bortner asked at a brief hearing.

If he’s convicted of first-degree murder, Beard will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Beard is accused of shooting and killing Collin “CJ” Smith Jr., 22, of York, shortly after buying milk at a corner store on West Maple Street and Manor Street in York on April 14, 2017. They had issues with each other that escalated in the months leading up to the killing, York City police said.

Police obtained surveillance video from the store and interviewed witnesses to make the identification. Beard, police said, walked to his grandmother’s home — with the milk — after the shooting.

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Chief Deputy Prosecutor Chuck Murphy declined to be interviewed because the case is pending.

“I don’t want to comment yet,” said Brian Perry, Beard’s attorney. “We’ll bring out all our points at trial.”

Beard is being held without bail in York County Prison.

Contact Dylan Segelbaum at 717-771-2102.

Check out this photo gallery of York County's most wanted: (The photos and information published are provided by the York County Sheriff's Office. To report information on any of these individuals, call York County Crime Stoppers at 717-755-TIPS)