Melton pleads guilty in 2016 death of teen who heroically pushed his friend out of the way of oncoming vehicle

PALMER — Bryon Melton changed his plea to guilty on one count of criminally negligent homicide Friday, and could face up to ten years in prison. Other charges against him were dismissed as a result of the plea, and the negligent homicide charge stood as the most serious aggravator for his Feb 8, 2016 accident on Pittman road which resulted in the death of 16-year-old Austin Edenfield. The pre-sentence report for the case is due April 6 with a May 21 date set for the next hearing.

A calm Melton emerged into the Palmer courtroom with short sandy brown hair and glasses to consult with his legal representation. Melton explained his panic disorder to the court, but remained even keeled throughout the proceeding. Melton was reminded of his right to a trial and appeal by both his representation and Judge Vanessa White. Melton had previously been charged with class A Felony manslaughter death, not murder, and misdemeanor driving without a license. The charge he plead guilty to is a class B felony, criminally negligent homicide, which carries a sentence of two to four years. Melton may face up to 10 years in prison as the most serious aggravator.

Judge White ensured that Melton was making his plea with a sound mind, voluntarily, and without the influence of drugs or alcohol. Legal counsel for both Melton, 30, and the prosecution team, are required to file their pre-sentence reports by April 6 for the 90-minute May 21 hearing at 1 p.m.

Kim and Ed Blocker sat in the courtroom to watch Melton plead guilty to the charges that led to the death of their son, Austin.

That day in February of 2106, Edenfield was a bright young mind with plans for his future who had already had an effect on so many lives at Burchell High School, where he was a student. Reports state that Edenfield gave his life to safe that of Will Johns, fellow Burchell student who was in harm's way before Edenfield pushed him into a ditch. Melton's pickup left the road and struck Edenfield just hours after cutting a deal to avoid jail time for a misdemeanor at the Palmer Courthouse, according to court records.