Triplett pleads guilty
Sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison without parole

By Melanie Davis
Melanie@highcountrymedia.net

It was an emotional day in the Watauga County courthouse. Kyle Quentin Triplett, 23, entered a plea agreement with the District Attorney's Office in the 2005 murder of Stephen Harrington.

Triplett was facing the death penalty for the capital offense of first degree murder, in addition to first degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and burning of personal property.

Harrington's body was discovered at 7:45 on the morning of Nov. 8, 2005 in the trunk of his own Subaru parked on Sleepy Hollow Lane in the Foscoe community. His arms were bound behind his back, and his face wrapped in duct tape. Harrington's body had been set aflame in the trunk of the car.

Triplett is one of three co-defendants charged in the brutal killing. Neil Sargeant and Matthew Dalrymple will be tried at a later date.

The trial began Monday morning for Triplett, with motions from both the defense and the prosecutors for the state. Jury selection began on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the defense requested a meeting with the district attorney during the afternoon session. Jury selection was put on hold while counsel met in the judge's chambers for a conference. The trial recessed early for the day after that conference to “address matters” that had come to light.

The trial resumed at 9:30 Thursday morning with a large audience in the courtroom. Nearly 20 of Harrington's friends and family were present behind the prosecutor's table, and more than 50 were present in support of Triplett.

After a brief recess to finalize, review and sign documents, Charles Byrd, assistant district attorney and lead prosecutor for the state, requested permission to ask a District Court judge to remand a driving while impaired charge against Triplett.

The DWI charge stemmed from a 2005 incident, and Triplett agreed to have the charge remanded and the sentenced of 60 days in prison imposed.

The prosecutors, defense and defendant proceeded to the district courtroom to address the judge on the matter. They returned a short time later and announced that a plea agreement had been reached.

The prior conviction of the DWI was necessary to fulfill the agreement. The conviction led to a level II status for felony sentencing, increasing the possible jail terms associated with felony conviction.

Triplett pleaded guilty to second degree murder, a lesser offense, first degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, burning of personal property and conspiracy with Neil Sargeant to sell and/or deliver a schedule II controlled substance (cocaine).

Under the terms and condition of the plea agreement, Triplett may not be prosecuted for any other offenses in connection to the Nov. 8, 2005 murder, and will receive credit for the nearly two years served.

The N.C. Department of Corrections will also ensure that Triplett is not housed with or near either of the co-defendants in this case.

Triplett was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,884.75 to Harrington's family. This amount represents the funeral and counseling expenses, and may be shared with the co-defendants pending the outcomes of their respective criminal proceedings.

The sentencing phase of the trial followed the presentation and acceptance of the plea agreement. The family of Harrington was given the opportunity to address the court at this time.

Julia Harrington, Stephen Harrington's mother, spoke of her son's love of the outdoors, and cheerful disposition.  She asked for justice to prevail. “The loss of my only son, for him to be tortured to death, the pain is excruciating,” she said through tears.

Jim Harrington, father, and Ashley Harrington, sister, also addressed the court and presented a photo of Stephen Harrington.

At that point, Triplett was given the opportunity to speak. He asked for the forgiveness of the Harrington family and quoted the Bible.

“I offer my condolences. Their family will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers, as will my family,” Triplett said, just before returning to his seat.

Five sentences were handed down as a part of the plea agreement. Each sentence will run consecutively, and totaled a 40 years minimum without the possibility of parole, with a maximum of 50 years and four months.

Judge James Baker of Watauga Superior Court also recommended substance abuse counseling. The court did not rule for or against the possibility of work release, though stated if the Department of Corrections approved work release, the money should be used toward restitution payment.

Triplett has been in the Watauga County Detention Center since Nov. 9, 2005. He will now be transferred to custody of the state Department of Corrections in Raleigh. Then eventually moved to the violent crime prison camp nearest his family. At the earliest possible release, Triplett will be 61 years of age.