By David Hedges, Publisher
Times Record-Roane County Reporter
A man who allegedly punched Daniel Burns in the face several times before his death said that's how child molesters were treated in prison, according to another suspect charged with Burns' murder who has entered a plea.
The man who allegedly made the remarks, Raymond Lee Elswick, 41, is in jail awaiting a court-ordered psychological evaluation.
Two other suspects, Joey Wayne Hicks, 28, and his wife, Crystal Hicks, 27, appeared in court Friday, when Joey Hicks entered a plea to two felony charges in exchange for the dismissal of murder and kidnapping charges.
The three suspects in the beating death of the 51-year-old Burns have been held in jail since their arrest last year, shortly after the murder on Thursday night before Memorial Day weekend.
Elswick and Joey Hicks were denied bond, while Crystal Hicks has been unable to post the $100,000 bond set in her case.
Burns' body was found dumped along Lick Fork Road. An autopsy determined he died from blows to the head. Part of his left pinky finger had been cut off.
Joey Hicks agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, which carries a possible penalty of 3-to-15 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit a felony, which has a maximum penalty of 1-to-5 years.
The case against his wife was continued until March 17, when she is expected to enter a plea.
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