Man accused in shooting of girl, 8, takes plea bargain

Kim Smith

Wednesday, April 3, 2002 | 10:12 a.m.

The last of three men accused of shooting an 8-year-old girl in December has entered a plea agreement.

Eric Ogle, 29, pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of a firearm and to accessory to a felony, Deputy District Attorney Robert Daskas said.

Ogle pleaded on charges of accessory to discharging a firearm into a vehicle and-or battery with a deadly weapon, causing substantial bodily harm.

Ogle could receive probation or as much as 11 years in prison when he is sentenced May 23.

Ogle, Andre Lee, 30, and Daniel McLeroy, 27, were indicted on multiple charges in January in connection with the shooting of Karatoya Wilkes.

Daskas said Lee and McLeroy became involved in an argument Dec. 8.

Both men pulled out weapons but, after a time, agreed to put them down, Daskas said. Lee somehow gained possession of both weapons and McLeroy left the scene. McLeroy, this time a passenger in a car, returned a short time later.

Daskas said police believe Lee and Ogle fired both of the weapons at the car in which McLeroy was riding.

Wilkes, who was standing near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Bonanza Road, was struck in the chest by one of the bullets. She has recovered, Daskas said.

McLeroy was scheduled to be sentenced today after pleading guilty to being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm and challenge to a fight involving a deadly weapon. He faces up to 12 years in prison.

Lee is scheduled to be sentenced Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm into a motor vehicle and battery with a deadly weapon, causing substantial bodily harm.