California man sentenced to prison in fatal beating case

A California man accused of fatally beating a man April 7, 2011 has pled guilty to an amended charge and was sentenced to ten years in prison.

Jon. T. Shikles 28, was charged in connection with the death of Travis Dean Higgins, 31, California.

Higgins' body was found in an alley in the 400 block of Stella Street, less than three blocks from the Moniteau County Courthouse square.

Shikles was taken into custody the next day.

He had pleaded not guilty to the original charge of second-degree murder.

According to court documents, numerous witnesses were interviewed, indicating the incident began at Derringers Bar & Grill.

Authorities said Shikles pursued Higgins to the 400 block of Stella Street and beat him, causing fatal injuries.

Physical injuries were apparent to the body, especially to Higgins' face and head, with blood near him.

The probable cause statement indicated that Shikles made admissions he caused the death of Higgins, corroborating statements made by witnesses.