Bannister Pleads Guilty | Video

Retha Colclasure | 6/21/2012

The man accused of shooting and killing Bismarck police sergeant Steven Kenner has pleaded guilty to the crime. Steven Bannister appeared in a courtroom packed with police officers this morning to change his plea. Bannister had originally been scheduled to stand trial for the murder this week.

Kenner was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance nearly one year ago. He became the first Bismarck police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

Two weeks ago, Bannister`s attorney told the court he would enter an Alford plea to the charge, under which he admits there`s enough evidence to convict him of the charge if it were to go to trial.

"With that understanding are you prepared to change your plea at this time?" asked Judge David Reich.

"Yes," Bannister said.

"To the charge in count one of the second amended information, murder, a class Double-A Felony offense, how do you plead, guilty or not guilty?"

"Guilty."

Judge Reich ordered a pre-sentence investigation to be completed before a sentencing date is scheduled.

Bannister faces life in prison.

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