ELYRIA — One of the three men charged in connection with the June 23, 2007, robbery that left Granny D’s Pizza owner David Kowalczyk dead took a plea deal Friday and will testify against the alleged shooter in the case.

Scotty Parker, 27, will receive a 20-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony, according to the agreement.

He entered guilty pleas to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated robbery in connection with the pizzeria robbery as well as guilty pleas to aggravated robbery for the June 10, 2007, robbery of Don’s Marathon, the June 16, 2007, robbery of Chapman’s Grocery Store and the June 21, 2007, robbery at Jack & Diane’s Lounge during which a customer was shot in the stomach.

Parker also entered a guilty plea to having weapons under disability.

Police and prosecutors believe 25-year-old Neil Simpson fired the fatal shot during the Granny D’s robbery. He could get the death penalty if convicted.

Also charged in the case is Richar Perry, who is believed to have been involved in all of the robberies except for the one at Don’s Marathon. Perry, 26, could get life in prison if convicted.

Parker could have faced life in prison if prosecutors had not dropped the murder charges he faced as a part of the plea deal.

Assistant County Prosecutor Tony Cillo said if Parker violates the agreement, prosecutors can again impose the old charges, and Parker would again find himself dealing with murder charges.

After watching Parker’s plea from the back of the courtroom, Kowalczyk’s sisters, Dolores Gibson and Barbara Kowalczyk, said they were pleased with the deal.

“I’m glad that he’s decided to come forward to speak the truth,” Gibson said.

Gibson said she hopes Parker, who has a lengthy criminal record including convictions for burglary, vandalism, drunk driving, theft and marijuana possession, can turn his life around in prison. She said the plea deal to testify against Simpson is a step in that direction.

“It won’t bring our brother back, but it helps,” she said.

Parker will be back in court next Friday for his sentencing hearing, where Kowalczyk’s family and other victims will have a chance to speak.

Lorain County Common Pleas Judge Mark Betleski, who took Parker’s plea, said he intends to honor the plea agreement and will sentence Parker to 20 years in prison.
Simpson is scheduled to go to trial in November.

Contact Brad Dicken at 329-7147 or bdicken@chroniclet.com.

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