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Moments after Nelson Giddings and Isaiah Reels pleaded guilty to third-degree murder for shooting and killing 65-year-old Winnie Harris two years ago, U.S. Marshals arrested Laukesha McGruder on charges of murder and related charges.
The 38-year-old mother, who thought she was in court to testify against the pair, brought her baby to court and was completely caught off guard, tearfully asking, "Why are you doing this to me?"
Giddings, the shooter, and Reels admitted to killing and robbing Harris in the early-morning hours of Feb. 2, 2017, but they say they targeted the wrong house.
Prosecutors say it was McGruder who organized the robbery.
Harris was a beloved community activist in the Powelton neighborhood and was acting-executive director of a local gardening non-profit. Authorities have said she tried fighting back with a baseball bat.
During the plea, 41-year-old Giddings was sobbing breathlessly, and said, "I am just hurting."
The judge quickly replied that the victim’s family is hurting, and Giddings said, "Yes, ma'm. Yes, ma'am, I know."
Giddings and Reels are schedule to be sentenced in June.