South Bend woman pleads guilty in connection with ’09 homicide

SOUTH BEND — One of eight people charged in connection with the October murder of Phillip Bell has pleaded guilty. Brittney Jones, 23, of South Bend, appeared in court Tuesday morning, where she pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal, a Class C felony. As part of a plea agreement, the state dismissed a count of murder against Jones. Plea conditions call for Jones to testify truthfully against co-defendants in the matter. Bell was shot to death Oct. 21 while walking in the 600 block of Birdsell Street. Jones admitted in court today that she initially misled investigators about the whereabouts of her boyfriend, Michael Mason, who is charged with murder in the case. Stay with southbendtribune.com for updates to this story.