One pleads guilty to aiding and abetting in Winona murder trial

La Crosse’s Lonnie Hudson is accused
murderer, in jail on $5 million bond

WINONA, Minn. — One of the people charged in a fatal shooting in Winona last October has pleaded guilty to felony charges, avoiding a trial that was to start next week. 

Reginald Burnett Jr. (above, right) entered the guilty plea Thursday to aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree assault.

The 19-year-old has agreed to testify against La Crosse native Lonnie Hudson (above, left), who is accused of fatally shooting Adam Fort last October. Prosecutors agreed to recommend a prison sentence of nearly 22 years. 

Burnett’s girlfriend drove the three to Fort’s apartment in Winona to buy drugs. Burnett testified that he stood by while Hudson shot Fort. Hudson is in jail on $5 million bond. No trial date has been set. 

Burnett was ordered held without bond pending sentencing in October.