Guilty plea in Piazza murders just before jury selection begins

The number of suspects facing trial for the 2009 murders inside the Piazza is now down to six. Langdon Scott’s guilty plea this morning is the second in the case; Katoya Jones pleaded guilty last year.

Eight people were charged for their roles in the drug robbery scheme that left two people dead inside the Northern Liberties mixed-use space. Rian Thal and Timothy Gilmore were killed after the suspects targeted the pair for several pounds of cocaine and $100,000 cash in Thal’s apartment.

Scott will be sentenced Jan. 4, the Inquirer reports, and faces up to 60 years in prison. Scott was unarmed and backed out of the plan before the shootings. Jones, who also lived in the Piazza, pleaded guilty to letting the shooters into the building in exchange for a cut of the money.

Jury selections in the case begin today.