A Lancaster man pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree murder regarding the beating death of a city man.
In exchange for the plea, Dajour James will serve 14 to 28 years in prison for killing 45-year-old Charles Kronenberg IV on May 14, 2016.
James punched and kicked Kronenberg outside Kronenberg’s Manor Street home after the victim was involved in a verbal dispute with James’ relative.
Kronenberg suffered a brain injury and died two days later.
Lancaster County Judge Merrill Spahn Jr. accepted the plea terms and ordered sentence Friday morning.
“Violence has never been, nor will ever be, the correct answer,” Spahn said while ordering sentence.
Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman, lead prosecutor, told Spahn that Kronenberg was on his porch in the 500 block of Manor Street when he became involved in the verbal dispute. The relative called James, who came to the block and attacked Kronenberg, Fetterman said.
Brian Kronenberg, Charles’ brother, scolded James for attacking his brother by surprise.
“You could have chosen to own the situation and not run to the beach,” he said.
James was taken into custody in New Jersey, three days after the beating.
Diane Rapisardo, Kronenberg’s mother, said her son had returned home from planting her garden when he was beaten.
“No parent should ever have to experience this kind of trauma inflicted on their child,” she said, as James bowed his head.
James declined to comment when asked by Judge Spahn.
Lancaster city police Detective Eric McCrady filed charges.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright