From staff and AP reports

BROOKHAVEN — A former Vicksburg resident has been sentenced for his role in a 2006 killing in Brookhaven.

Robert Mark Culbertson, 32, pleaded guilty Tuesday to manslaughter in the October 2006 death of Duane Douglas.

Culbertson’s trial had been set to start Tuesday, but was pushed back that day until next week for another case. However, later that day, Culbertson changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, said a spokesman for the Lincoln County Circuit Clerk’s office, and the court moved ahead with the case.

Lincoln County Circuit Judge Mike Taylor sentenced Culbertson to 20 years in prison with three years suspended.

Culbertson was a key witness for prosecutors this past week in the trial of Michael Leggett, who was convicted of murder in Douglas’ death. Leggett was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Leggett and Culbertson were charged in the beating death of Douglas at the victim’s home on the night of Oct. 11, 2006.