Harper sentencing next week

Robert Harper

AURORA | One of three people charged with killing a man last fall at a south Aurora motel in an attempted marijuana robbery is set for sentencing next week.

Robert Harper, 18, pleaded guilty to burglary and robbery on Feb. 24, according to prosecutors. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors dropped several other charges against Harper, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Harper was charged along with Maliek Bailey, 36, and Steven Wayne Bassett, 27, in connection with the Oct. 15 slaying of Michael Pinkus at the Crestwood Suites motel.

It wasn’t clear from court records this week what sentence Harper may face at his April 15 hearing or if he is expected to testify against Bailey and Bassett. If he is required to  testify, the sentencing could be delayed until after the other two go to trial.

The three defendants have been held without bond at the Arapahoe County Jail since their arrests last fall.

According to testimony at a preliminary hearing for Bassett and Bailey in February, Pinkus’ killers attacked him that night in an attempt to steal marijuana from him. Police later found Pinkus’ battered body inside a hotel room, his hands and feet bound.

The lead police investigator on the case testified that Bassett told police Bailey and Harper beat Pinkus after Bassett arranged to meet him at the motel to buy marijuana.

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Note: Bassett is due in court this morning, I won't be there but I hope to have an update on his case before the end of the day. 

-Brandon