Murder co-defendant Coburn pleads guilty

ST. GEORGE — A co-defendant in the murder of a 25-year-old woman in the parking lot of the Kings Grant Golf Course has pleaded guilty to murder and assault and battery with intent to kill.

Jonathan G. Coburn, 18, entered his plea in front of Circuit Judge Paul Burch for the Nov. 5, 2006 murder of Lisa Thompson inside the King's Grant subdivision.

Co-defendant Vincent Payton of North Charleston was also charged with murder and assault and battery with intent to kill. A jury in his trial was selected today and the case is scheduled to go forward Wednesday at the Dorchester County Courthouse.

Burch will sentence Coburn, of North Charleston, after the trial. Coburn is expected to testify against Payton.

Thompson was found in a sport utility vehicle. Companion Melvin Keith Bryant was shot in the face but recovered. Bryant told authorities that he and Thompson were sitting in the SUV when someone approached and started shooting. Authorities believe robbery was the motive.

A third suspect, Matthew Shane Turnmeyer of Summerville, was arrested on a charge of accessory before the fact of murder. He is expected to testify for the state as well.

Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.