Man Pleads Guilty in January Fatal Shooting

One of two men accused of fatally shooting a man in January has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder this week.

On Monday, William Chase, 20, of Capitol Heights, pleaded guilty to murder in the fatal shooting of Howard Durley, 30, on Jan. 23, according to online court records.

Maryland state prosecutors are seeking a life sentence in their case against Chase, with all but 55 years suspended. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3, according to online records.

Charles Spriggs, 25, of Annapolis, is also charged with murder in the shooting death of Durley. Spriggs is scheduled to testify in November.

Durley was found laying behind a residence on Copeland Street with a gunshot wound on Jan. 23. Police said the shooting resulted from a relationship Durley had with a woman.

According to The Capital-Gazette, Spriggs was the woman's former boyfriend, and he became enraged after learning Durley had a new relationship with the woman.

Chase and Spriggs followed Durley behind a residence and witnesses heard shots fired, according to The Capital. Durley was found bleeding and died at the scene.

The next day, both Chase and Spriggs turned themselves in to police custody, authorities said.