NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The ex-girlfriend of a 35-year-old who was shot and killed during a robbery in Norristown earlier this year has pleaded guilty to murder for setting the deadly robbery in motion.
Katherine Emel, 31, pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery for her role in the shooting death of William Carter during a robbery on Powell and Wood Streets in Norristown on Jan. 20, 2024.
Carter had recently won $5,000 gambling. Emel lived with Carter and admitted in court that she put a tracking device in the car he used, then shared that location with 29-year-old Daquan Allen and other three men planning to rob Carter.
“During the course of that robbery, William was killed — shot and killed. So even if she didn't pull the trigger, she's liable as an accomplice and a coconspirator,” said Prosecutor Meghan Carney.
Investigators say 18-year-old Damon Brantley shot Carter in the head during the robbery.
Prosecutors say Emel met Allen after the murder and he paid her $700.
Brantley, Allen and two others are each charged with murder, robbery, and conspiracy.
Emel was offered the plea to third-degree murder to avoid a life sentence in exchange for her cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of the four men.
She’ll be sentenced at a later date. Prosecutors made it clear during the hearing she is required to cooperate or the plea deal will be revoked.