(September 24, 2008)—Sentencing continued late Wednesday morning for James Michael Grant II, who admitted to helping murder his father, James Michael Grant, Sr.

The hearing began Wednesday morning in Gatesville's 52nd State District Court, the same court room where Grant II pleaded guilty Monday just as Judge Philip Zeigler began the process of seating a jury to hear the case.

Wednesday's hearing will determine Grant II's fate for his part in the murder of his father.

Grant II was certified by Judge Zeigler as an adult last April; a grand jury returned his indictment for murder in May.

Judge Zeigler spent the morning hearing punishment testimony presented by District Attorney David Castillo and defense attorney Bobby Barina, of Killeen.

As a part of the plea agreement offered by the state, Zeigler capped his possible punishment at 50 years incarceration on the charge of murder. Grant II could have faced up to life in prison if convicted by a jury of the same charge

Grant II, who was 15 at the time of the murder last September, admitted he helped John Hopkins gain entry to his home and showed Hopkins where his father slept.

The initial arrest warrant stated investigators believe Grant II jumped on his dead father’s chest after Grant, Sr. was stabbed.

Investigators believe Hopkins stabbed 44-year-old James Michael Grant, Sr., to death while he slept.

As well Investigators allege Hopkins acted at the insistence of Grant II’s mother, Megan Lewis Grant.

Grant Sr.’s body was found lying outside his pickup truck alongside a Coryell County road after sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle call from a driver who saw the truck.

Megan Lewis Grant and Hopkins both are charged with capital murder in connection with the crime. Their trials are set for December in the same courtroom.

Grant II currently is being held at the Coryell County Jail.