Strip Stabbing Victim's Friend Questions Plea Deal | News

LAS VEGAS - Larry Hicks is learning some lessons about crime and punishment. He's on a quest for justice. Hicks' friend, 25-year-old Randall "BP" Blackwell, was murdered before his eyes.

Their group crossed paths with 38-year-old Jerome Hopkins and 39-year-old Christopher McIntosh July 9 outside a liquor store near Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road.

The two sides exchanged words about a girl, and the situation quickly degenerated. Police say Hopkins pulled out a knife and stabbed Blackwell in the heart.

Investigators believe McIntosh threw the murder weapon on the roof of a nearby restaurant.

"I know that there's not anything that can bring my friend back," Hicks said.

McIntosh reached a plea deal with prosecutors this week. His murder charges were dropped for a voluntary manslaughter guilty plea. McIntosh was released Wednesday on house arrest and ultimately could get probation.

"I'm speechless… They dropped the ball on it," Hicks said. "People have done a lot less severe things than this and got a more severe punishment. So, it really doesn't make sense to me. It's bewildering."

Public defender Michael Hyte represents McIntosh. He says his client poses no danger to the community.

"I think principally in this case, the judge looked at his significant lack of a criminal history," Hyte said. "He had an outpouring of support from people who were present. His pastor, his employer, several coworkers, several friends were there every hearing to vouch for him."

Hicks says no one is standing up for Blackwell, a foster child with no family. Blackwell's fiancé committed suicide right after his death, leaving their little boy with no mom or dad.

Hicks prays his friend will not be forgotten. "I'm just really disappointed in the way that everything went," he said.

For now, McIntosh is out of jail. Hopkins remains behind bars. Sentencing for both men is scheduled April 11.

Calls to prosecutors for comment were not returned.