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KUAM News – Nearly seven years after Navy veteran Adam Messier went missing, his family today is another step closer to getting justice.
Judge John Terlaje said, “So Mr. Blas, how do you wish to plead today for aggravated assault as a second degree felony, guilty or not guilty?”
“Guilty,” said defendant Curtis Blas.
Blas admitted to his part in the brutal killing and disappearance of Messier before Superior Court Judge John Terlaje.
In September 2017, investigators said Messier threatened to report his roommate for illegal drug activity.
It took about four years before authorities were able to track down Messier’s body and make the arrests.
Back in 2021, Messier’s family then told KUAM, “Yes, we can start having closure but I don’t know how we can begin to heal.”
Over the weekend, loved ones were able to finally lay Messier to rest.
Meantime, in court today, Prosecuting Attorney Sean Brown explained why Blas was given a deal that did not include murder.
Brown said, “Mr. Blas was not really involved in the physical assault of Mr. Messier compared to the other co-actors…In fact, we have a witness who said that Mr. Blas, aside from his admission to striking Mr. Messier one time, there’s also some involvement on breaking the foot after the fact but his role is limited.”
Blas also pleaded guilty to desecration of a corpse and destruction of evidence.
He faces 10 years in prison.
Defense Attorney Terrence Timblin told KUAM it would’ve been much worse if they took the case to trial.
“If he was found guilty of what he was charged with originally, he would go to jail for the rest of his life so as I said both sides wanted to limit the risk,” said Timblin.
Blas’ deal also included him testifying against co-actors Brandon Flaherty and Donovan Carriaga.
Blas will be sentenced on May 10.
Source : https://www.kuam.com/story/50401349/man-admits-role-in-killing-of-navy-veteran