Second suspect convicted in beating death of Cowan man

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (AP) – The second of four suspects charged in the beating death of a Cowan man has been convicted.

Todd E. Dalton, 29, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Franklin County Circuit Court to facilitating first-degree murder in Corey N. Matthews’ death.

Matthews’ body was found in 2013 in a cornfield outside of Cowan. Authorities say he had been struck 14 times with a hammer.

Dalton was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Dalton is one of four men charged in Matthews’ slaying. David G. Jenkins was found guilty last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Two other suspects, 29-year-old Corey Lanier and 28-year-old Coty Keith Holmes, are each charged with first-degree murder and felony murder in Matthews’ death. Their court dates are pending.

*Photo contributed by Tullahoma News