Suspect in deputy's death sentenced in Highlands slaying

By The Associated Press
Published: March 20, 2010
Updated: March 20, 2010 - 11:44 AM

BARTOW --

A man charged with killing a Polk County detention deputy has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his part in a 2007 Highlands County slaying.

A judge sentenced 28-year-old Terrence Barnett on Friday. He pleaded no contest in June to second-degree murder as part of a plea deal. Prosecutors say Barnett participated in an attack on Bryan Fanning over a drug-related dispute in August 2007.

While in custody for Fanning's killing, Barnett was charged with first-degree murder in the death of detention Sgt. Ronnie Brown. Authorities say Barnett broke a fire sprinkler in August, flooding his cell. When Brown entered the cell, Barnett attacked the sergeant, who hit a concrete wall and fell to the floor, authorities say.

Barnett is awaiting trial in Brown's death.