HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Hutchinson man who entered a plea to a reduced charge of conspiracy to commit aggravated battery is scheduled to be sentenced Friday.
31-year-old John Cantu entered the plea avoiding a jury trial on a more serious charge of attempted first degree murder.
The case against Cantu involves six men going to the home of Jeffrey Payne back on February 18, 2013, forcing their way into his home and beating, then stabbing him 23-times. Payne nearly died from his wounds.
The conspiracy charge is a level 6 felony with a sentencing range between 40 and 46-months in prison. Both sides will argue disposition in the case.
Most of the other co-defendants have been sentenced. Jordon LeShore was recently sentenced to six years in prison in this case, while his brother, Joseph LeShore was sentenced to 8-years, 3-months after he entered pleas in the case, Troy Bell was sentenced to four and a half years in prison, and Desmund Cantu is serving 7-years in prison in this case.
The only one left with his case pending is Sean Arevalo-Mendoza, who is believed to have played a minor role in the attack.
Sentencing Friday for John Cantu is scheduled in front of Judge Tim Chambers.