CHATTANOOGA, TENN. -- The parents of a man accused of fatally shooting a Tennessee police officer have agreed to plead guilty to federal charges that they helped him avoid arrest and hide guns.
Records show Kathleen and Ray Vance Mathews will plead guilty today at a hearing in Chattanooga.
In return for their plea, prosecutors will recommend a lighter sentence.
The charges against the couple carry a maximum sentence of more than 50 years in prison.
State prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against their son, 25-year-old Jesse Mathews.
Jesse is a parolee from Colorado Springs who was wanted in the Pikes Peak Region for aggravated robbery.
He was charged with fatally shooting police Sgt. Tim Chapin outside of a Chattanooga pawn shop in April.
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