Murder suspect pleads guilty on first day of trial

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The trial for a man charged with murder after shooting that happened back in July began Monday morning.

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After some testimony, Ricky Kiper Jr. withdrew his not guilty plea just after 3 p.m.

He agreed to do so as long as the state withdrew the firearm enhancement charge, which they did.

At one point Monday, Kiper was removed from the courtroom after an outburst.

His sister was testifying, and Kiper told the prosecuting attorney quote ”“You’re a punk a** b***h. Leave my sister alone. Punk a** mother f****r.”

Officials say back in July, Kiper knocked on the door of a trailer on Maggie Valley Drive, and asked for 41-year-old James McClernon.

When McClernon came to the door, officials say Kiper shot and killed him.

Officials say Kiper told law enforcement he had “no remorse,” and he shot McClernon because he was a sex offender.

Sentencing is now set for February 23 at 10 a.m.

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