Harper sentencing this afternoon

Robert Lee Harper

AURORA| Sentencing for one of three people charged with murder in connection with the slaying of a man last fall at a south Aurora hotel is set for this afternoon. 

Robert Lee 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.

His sentencing hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. today at the Arapahoe COunty Justice Center in Centennial. 

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 last 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.

Note: I plan to be in the courtroom for today’s sentencing. Follow the twitter feed (@sentinelbrandon) for updates and check back here later today for more. 

-Brandon