By Guy Page

A high-profile Burlington murder case took a stunning turn Tuesday morning, just a day after the defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

According to reporting by Cam Smith of WCAX, Alfred Wisher, who on Monday admitted to fatally shooting 27-year-old Khyann Jones in 2019, shocked the courtroom during his scheduled sentencing by declaring his innocence and asking to withdraw his guilty plea.

Smith’s reporting includes actual video footage of Wisher speaking to Jones’ family, and to the judge.

As reported by VDC (“Two deadly lists,” June 16 2020), Wisher reportedly shot Jones after Jones made a comment about his girlfriend’s infidelity. The shooting occurred March 24 2019. Jones died in December, VDC reported.

The dramatic moment Tuesday came after emotional statements from the victim’s family, including his mother, Alena Jones.

“You took something away from me,” she said, looking directly at Wisher. “But I have an angel, and he’s always with me.”

Police say Wisher shot Jones at an apartment on Clark Street during a dispute over infidelity. Prosecutors had anticipated Wisher would be sentenced Tuesday following his plea the day prior. But instead, Wisher reversed course.

“It takes a man to own up to what they do,” Jones told the court. “I really feel like we shouldn’t have been here this long dealing with this when you know what you’ve done.”

In a stunning declaration to the court, Wisher claimed his attorney, Robert Montgomery, pressured him into accepting the plea deal against his wishes.

“Mr. Montgomery knew that I wanted to go to trial because I didn’t want to take responsibility for something I actually didn’t do, and I’m still standing on that today,” Wisher said. “The only reason I took this plea deal is because he told me I was going to trial and I was going to lose.”

Judge John Pacht, visibly concerned, engaged Wisher directly from the bench.

“So, you’re saying you lied under oath?” Pacht asked.

“I am,” Wisher replied.

The courtroom exchange halted what had been expected to be the resolution of a case that has lingered for over five years. Now, Wisher’s attempt to withdraw his plea could trigger a full evidentiary hearing or potentially reopen the path to trial.

Legal experts say it’s not uncommon for defendants to express regret or attempt to rescind plea deals, but convincing a judge to allow withdrawal—especially after admitting guilt under oath—can be difficult.

The court will now need to determine whether Wisher’s claim of coercion has merit. A future hearing date has not yet been set.