A man who testified against his co-defendant in a Stowe homicide pleaded guilty Monday to reduced charges as part of a plea deal.

Arrmon Hagans’ testimony failed to secure a guilty verdict against Cy-Miar woods, 18. A jury acquitted him of homicide last week.

Hagans, who was initially charged with homicide and other offenses, pleaded guilty to gun charges and tampering with evidence. He will serve two to four years in state prison.

The outcome means no one has been held directly culpable for the slaying of Michael Dean on Nov. 22, 2023, during a drug deal.

Investigators have not named any other suspects in the crime.

At risk

Hagans, 46, told a jury last week that he had gone to Dean’s home on Benwood Avenue to buy marijuana that afternoon.

He said Woods and Woods’ brother went with him. As Hagans was standing at the front door talking to Dean, police said Dean saw the two teens wearing masks behind a corner of his porch and slammed the door shut.

Hagans testified that Woods, who was 15 at the time, raised the gun he was carrying and fired through the door.

Dean was struck in the head and died. He was found a short time later by his parents.

At trial, Hagans’ testimony was the only substantive evidence against Woods.

The jury deliberated for just two hours on Thursday before finding Woods not guilty.

Nonetheless, Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney Matt Goddard said Monday, Hagans upheld his end of the bargain.

In exchange for his truthful testimony, Hagans had the criminal homicide charge withdrawn and was permitted to plead guilty to the lesser offenses.

“Mr. Hagans completed all of the obligations in our plea offer,” Goddard said.

Defense attorney Art Ettinger told Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Edward J. Borkowski that his client is facing an additional eight years incarceration for various parole violations stemming from his arrest.

By cooperating with prosecutors, Ettinger said, his client risked his life.

Borkowski acknowledged as much.

“He will carry that with him through his time incarcerated, which puts him at risk,” the judge said.

’Dangerous waters’

Borkowski said that Ring doorbell footage at Dean’s home clearly showed that Hagans was not the shooter.

“He appeared to be completely surprised by the conduct of Woods and his associate,” the judge said, citing the video.

However, Hagans’ testimony, the judge said, was not enough to convince the jury that Woods was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“That was dangerous waters for the commonwealth,” Borkowski said. “But it was also the only option available to them.”

Hagans said he feels terrible for Dean’s family.

“I hold some responsibility. Me having a marijuana habit had a ripple effect,” Hagans said. “Throughout this case, I’ve learned a lot — not only about myself but the law.”

Dean’s family relayed through the prosecution that they did not want to make a victim impact statement, and they were not present Monday.