Associated Press - February 10, 2010 9:44 AM ET

GREENWOOD, Miss. (AP) - A Greenwood man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in the 2007 slaying of James Jackson.

Bennie Lee Leahman pleaded guilty this past week in Leflore County Circuit Court to manslaughter and robbery.

Prosecutors say Leahman and Eugene McLemore - who pleaded guilty last year and also received a 35-year sentence - robbed James L. Jackson before beating and kicking him to death on March 24, 2007.

Assistant District Attorney Timothy Jones tells the Greenwood Commonwealth that Leahman was sentenced to 20 years for the manslaughter and 15 for the robbery.

McLemore and Bennie Leahman were initially each indicted on capital murder.

Information from: The Greenwood Commonwealth, http://www.gwcommonwealth.com

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