Four defendants have pleaded guilty and are set for sentencing in December after the May shooting death of 18-year-old Skylar Powell.

Six individuals were charged earlier this year in Buchanan County in connection with the case and in August those cases were joined. Thursday in court Gabriel Dawson and Ashten Surritte each charged with first-degree attempted robbery, and Dayne Matthews and Kyle Smith each charged with possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Each are scheduled for sentencing Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

Justin Smith, charged with voluntary manslaughter and armed criminal action had his plea rejected by Judge Patrick Robb and his case was continued to Oct. 13 at 2:45 p.m.

Jay’Den Maynard charged with first-degree attempted robbery had his case continued to Oct. 13 and will also appear at 2:45 p.m.

Prosecutors believe Powell was killed during a drug transaction and attempted robbery May 17 in the area of 2200 Calhoun.