http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0225wilson0225.html

Suspect allowed to deal Man will testify in officer's death

Michael Kiefer The Arizona Republic Feb. 25, 2006 12:00 AM

One of two men accused of murdering a Phoenix police officer was allowed to sidestep a possible death penalty in exchange for testimony against his accomplice Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court.

Chris Dale Wilson was originally charged with first-degree murder in the May 10 shooting death of Officer David Uribe. But the Maricopa County Attorney's Office set aside its no-plea-deal policy to allow Wilson, 28, to plead guilty to second-degree murder instead.

Wilson faces up to 22 years in prison. He will be sentenced after he testifies against Donald Delahanty, 19, whose trial is set for January. Delahanty is eligible for the death penalty if found guilty.

Wilson was driving a car that Uribe, 48, pulled over during a traffic stop in west Phoenix. Police and prosecutors believe Delahanty was the shooter.

The County Attorney's Office would not say why it decided to vary from its policy. Uribe's family wouldn't comment. His partner, Officer Jeff Pfaffenbach, said the plea agreement was in order.

"Anything we can do to convict the person who killed Dave, I'm happy about," he said.