Man pleads guilty to Sunset Park murder and armed robbery

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two of the four people charged in a deadly armed robbery in Sunset Park are now in prison.

Yesterday, Mark Steven Landreth, Jr., 31, pleaded guilty to second degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon in the death of David Leroy Clark, 55.

On March 20, 2016, just before 6:00 pm, Clark was attacked and robbed in his home at 513 Alabama Street. Investigators say Donna Beck drove Landreth, William Fought and Joshua Chavis to Clark’s home to sell him pain medication.

Once they were inside, the three men beat Clark and stole money, prescription medication, and watches, according to the distric attorney’s office.

Clark was able to call for help. EMS took Clark to New Hanover Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. He died a few weeks later, on April 8.

Police identified Beck as a suspect. She told investigators she gave the men a ride to Clark’s home, asked Clark if he was ok, then left the men there.

Beck admitted to police she heard the men say that if Clark did not give up his property, they would beat him and take everything he had.

Connie Jordan, the Assistant District Attorney assigned to handle this case, told the Court, “This was a brutal attack against an infirm man who was unable to defend himself. Once the men had access into Mr. Clark’s home, Mr. Clark had no chance.”

Landreth received an active sentence of a minimum of 26 years and a maximum of 33.25 years in prison.

Beck pleaded guilty to second degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon on June 15. She is serving a minimum of 18.41 years and a maximum of 23.16 years in prison.

Charges against Landreth’s co-defendants, Fought and Chavis, are still pending.