Man changes plea in murder trial of local actor | Crime

Largo, Florida -- The man on trial for the murder of a local actor suddenly changed his plea Friday morning.

Thomas Lafoe told a judge that he had changed his plea to guilty in the murder of his neighbor, Jeff Norton. The 55-year-old stage actor and teacher was killed in his Saint Petersburg home back in 2010.

After Lafoe changed his plea, the judge immediately sentenced him to life in prison without parole.

See Also: Man told investigators crack dealer made him kill neighbor

During Lafoe's trial, prosecutors claimed he beat Norton with a sword, put a towel over his head, and wrapped a cord around his neck.

Two of Norton's friends found him with a cord around his neck and blood splattered in his living room.

Investigators found Norton's wallet in Lafoe's home and they say he was seen on surveillance tape using Norton's credit card.