Robert Charles Lapp was sentenced to life without parole Friday after pleading guilty to murder in last year's death of Thomas Lanier Smith, 53, of Cronic Drive.
"Mr. Lapp beat Mr. Smith to death with a carburetor, struck him in the head with a carburetor off a car. It appears the motive was robbery," Hall County District Attorney Jason Deal said.
Lapp entered the guilty plea before Hall County Chief Superior Court Judge Andrew Fuller. The counts are: malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, armed robbery, hijacking a motor vehicle, violation of domestic violence order and possession of cocaine.
Lapp and co-defendant Karen Yvonne Toabe were arrested at a Hall County hotel October 30, 2002, just hours after the crime. The victim's body was found in a house at 345 Cronic Drive.
"Mr. Lapp and Mr. Smith and Miss Toabe all lived in the same residence," Deal said.
Toabe faces trial on similar charges. A trial date has not been set.
"We're waiting to schedule an arraignment some time in the near future," Deal said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/10/170904