Man accused in JP detective's murder pleads guilty

A New Orleans man accused in the 2016 murder of a Jefferson Parish deputy sheriff has pleaded guilty to second degree murder.

Jerman Neveaux received a mandatory life sentence for shooting and killing Det. David Michel Jr.

It was June 22, 2016, when Det. Michel noticed Neveaux on Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey, following another man in a suspicious manner.

Michel stopped Neveaux, but a fight ensued. Neveaux shot Michel three times in the back and then fled.

Michel was able to radio "I'm shot" as he called for help. He died later that day.

Three weeks prior to the killing, Neveaux pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of possession of stolen things and received probation, after being charged for possessing a stolen handgun.

The .38 revolver Neveaux admitted using to kill Michel was also stolen.

Neveaux's guilty plea means he avoided a possible death sentence, had he gone on trial for first degree murder and lost.