Maples pleads guilty to fatal shootings of convenience store clerks last April

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – A local man gets 40 years after pleading guilty on Wednesday to second degree murder. Barry Maples was arrested last April in the shooting deaths of two convenience store clerks in separate incidents.

An April 12, 28-year old Allan Rice was shot multiple times at the Speedway on Bonny Oaks Drive. Two weeks later, 59-year old Steven Hunt was gunned down at the Circle K convenience store.

After viewing surveillance videos from both stores, investigators identified Maples as their suspect and found him in an open field a short distance from the Circle K. Police say he confessed to shooting both men.

Maples was initially deemed not competent to stand trial by the Middle Tennessee Mental health Institute. But after some treatment, he was found competent and could appreciate what he did.

Executive Assistant District Attorney General Cameron Williams says they worked out a plea deal with the support ob both police and the victims’ families. Maples was sentenced to 40 years in state prison, to be served at 100%.