Royalton man seeks plea deal in fatal 2020 shooting

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A 30-year old Royalton man who claimed self-defense in the fatal shooting of his mother’s ex-boyfriend two years ago has reached a deal with state prosecutors that calls for him to receive a total prison sentence of 15 to 25 years, all suspended except for five years, according to a plea agreement filed in Windsor Superior Court.

Francis Phelps III was charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old George Sun; 26-year old Dakota Fielder was injured in the incident outside Phelps’ brother’s home on Route 14 in the early morning hours of March 17, 2020.

Under the plea deal, the most serious charge against Phelps, murder in the second degree, was downgraded to voluntary manslaughter, according to court records.

Phelps, who was 28 at the time, told police that his mother, Rebecca Wheeler, had contacted him that night about threats Sun, with whom Phelps had been feuding, made to her. When Phelps’ brother subsequently called him to report that two men were walking around behind his house, Phelps grabbed a gun and headed over there.

Phelps told police that he “panicked” and began shooting at the men when they started coming at him, but police said they found evidence at the scene that contradicted Phelps’ version of events.

Phelps has been held without bail at Southern State Correctional Facility in Springfield, Vt., since his arraignment more than two years ago. A hearing on Phelps’ plea agreement and formal sentencing is scheduled for May 19 in Windsor Superior Court in White River Junction.

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