Two Plead Guilty In Slaying

TACOMA - Two men have pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the slaying of a 56-year-old Orting man behind a Spanaway pizza delivery business last September.

George Nellans Jr., 21, and Danilo Salido, 19, entered their pleas yesterday in a deal reached with prosecutors.

Nellans, who admitted he fired the shot that killed Thomas William Faires Sept. 9 behind a Pizza Hut, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of 25 years and 4 months in prison.

Nellans' sentencing is set for Aug. 5. before Judge Thomas Sauriol.

Salido pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with a deadly weapon enhancement. He had been charged with first-degree murder. Prosecutors will recommend the top end of the sentencing range - 22 years and 1 month - for Salido when he is sentenced July 15.

Nellans claimed he shot Faires only after the older man had grabbed Salido by the neck after the two had asked Faires for change. Nellans claimed he thought Faires had a gun.