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Ex-Northern Arizona University student shooting pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2015 shooting

Steven Jones pleaded guilty to manslaughter and three counts of aggravated assault in the 2015 shooting.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A former Northern Arizona University student charged in a fatal shooting on campus changed his plea at a court hearing. 

Steven Jones pleaded guilty on Thursday to manslaughter and three counts of aggravated assault in the 2015 shooting.

Jones will serve between five and 10 years. He faced up to 25 years if convicted by a jury. 

His restitution will not exceed $100,000 to the victims. 

Credit: Caylee Scott
Steven Jones and his lawyers
Credit: Caylee Scott
Steven Jones pleads guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in connection to the 2015 Northern Arizona University shooting.

PREVIOUSLY: Prosecutors agree to reduce murder charge in NAU shooting

The 23-year-old was set to face trial later this month on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault, but the plea deal makes that moot. 

Jones has acknowledged firing the shots that killed a 20-year-old man in October 2015 and injuring three other students. 

Jones has said he acted in self-defense. 

RELATED: Steven Jones settles civil case in NAU shooting

Prosecutors have painted Jones as the aggressor. 

The shooting initially stoked fears of a mass shooting at the school in Flagstaff that has more than 25,000 students.

RELATED: Judge declares mistrial in NAU shooter Steven Jones' murder trial

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