In a surprising turn of events, Dougqualynn Patterson, a 23-year-old man from Wichita, has requested to withdraw his guilty plea in the second-degree murder of 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan Jr.
The incident, which occurred on July 3, 2023, has left the community shocked as Patterson, who had already pleaded guilty, now seeks to retract his plea.
This article explores the details of the case, the events surrounding the shooting death of Elrecus Nolan Jr., and the developments leading to Patterson’s change of heart.
Case Overview: Teen’s Murder and Patterson’s Guilty Plea
On July 3, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded near the intersection of Mount Vernon and Ellis Street in south Wichita, Kansas. 16-year-old Elrecus Nolan Jr. was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a silver 2002 Ford Taurus.
A witness reported hearing multiple gunshots and observed the car rolling westbound on Mount Vernon before coming to a stop on the sidewalk after hitting the curb. Nolan was later confirmed to have been shot and was found to be not breathing.
Following the incident, Dougqualynn Patterson and Rico Brown, a 26-year-old man, were arrested in connection to the shooting. Patterson, who had initially pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, was set to be sentenced in March 2025.
However, as of recent developments, Patterson has decided to withdraw his guilty plea, prompting the judge to take further action.
Details of the Incident
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | July 3, 2023 |
| Victim | Elrecus Nolan Jr., 16, from Wichita, Kansas |
| Location | Mount Vernon and Ellis Street, South Wichita |
| Vehicle | Silver 2002 Ford Taurus |
| Incident Description | Victim found shot in the driver’s seat, car hit curb and stopped |
| Suspects Arrested | Dougqualynn Patterson and Rico Brown |
| Patterson’s Plea | Guilty to second-degree murder |
| Brown’s Sentence | First-degree murder, 51 years in prison |
Legal Developments and Patterson’s Request
Patterson had been scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday afternoon following his guilty plea. However, after learning that Patterson wants to retract his plea, the judge has ordered a new attorney for him.
A hearing has been scheduled for April 28, 2025, to address the issue and determine whether Patterson will be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea.
Patterson’s decision to change his plea has raised questions, and legal experts are awaiting the results of the April 28 hearing. It is not uncommon for defendants to reconsider their guilty pleas, especially if new evidence or legal strategies come to light.
Rico Brown’s Sentence
While Patterson’s case remains in limbo, Rico Brown, the other defendant in the case, was found guilty of first-degree murder in July 2024 and has been sentenced to 51 years in prison.
The prosecution believes that Brown played a significant role in the shooting death of Nolan, and his sentence reflects the severity of the crime.
Why Would Patterson Want to Withdraw His Plea?
There are various reasons why Patterson might seek to withdraw his guilty plea, including:
- New evidence that may have emerged since the plea was entered.
- Miscommunication or misunderstanding during the plea process.
- Legal counsel changes or issues regarding representation that may have influenced his decision.
- Potential plea deals or lesser charges that might be available in light of new legal strategies.
Whatever the reason, the upcoming hearing will provide clarity on whether Patterson will be allowed to change his plea and how his case will proceed.
The case of Dougqualynn Patterson and Rico Brown has taken an unexpected turn, with Patterson now seeking to withdraw his guilty plea in the murder of Elrecus Nolan Jr.
This case highlights the complexities of the legal system, where even after a guilty plea, defendants may seek to reconsider their decisions. As the legal proceedings unfold, Patterson’s request will be closely monitored to determine the future course of his case.
The tragic loss of Elrecus Nolan Jr. has left a family grieving, and the community in Wichita continues to cope with the impact of his death. As the legal system works to address these complex issues, justice for Nolan and his family remains a priority.