JC Post

JUNCTION CITY -The man accused of gunning down Anthony Nixon, 37, Junction City has entered a plea deal in Geary County District Court.

Anthony Nichols of Kansas City, Missouri, was charged in the September shooting death of Anthony Nixon, 37, at the intersection of 10th and Webster in Junction City.

Nichols faced First Degree Murder and Felon in Possession charges.

Steve Opat, Geary County Attorney confirmed Nichols entered no contest pleas and was found guilty to amended charges of Voluntary Manslaughter and Armed Robbery.

Opat said he entered the plea agreement with Nichols due to the certainty of conviction in the case.

“The certainty of a long and substantial prison sentence, and the disposition of the case without the involvement of an appeals process,” said Opat.

He added that Nichols could appeal the sentence, but if the sentence is within the lawful guidelines he can’t appeal.

The sentencing date in Geary County District Court is June 1st.

Nichols is also charged with 1st degree murder in a Riley County case stemming from the September 2013 stabbing death of John Burroughs, 68, Manhattan. The trial for Nichols in Manhattan is scheduled for July 16.