Carthage man originally charged with second degree murder pleads guilty to reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter

Carthage man originally charged with second degree murder pleads guilty to reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter

An October 19 sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Elijah Hardee, 20, Carthage, who pleaded guilty Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court to a reduced charge of voluntary manslaughter in connection with the February 15, 2025 death of Johny Reyes Garcia, 22, Carthage. Hardee was originally charged with second degree murder. Under the plea agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, an armed criminal action charge was dismi…