One of five suspects in a March beating and robbery at a North Lawrence motel will serve a two-year prison sentence.

Douglas County District Judge Jack Murphy on Friday sentenced 23-year-old Leslie T. Howe, of Emporia, to two years in custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections for aggravated battery and theft.

Howe apologized to the victim, 21-year-old Josh Greemore, but Greemore’s mother spoke up in court, saying she wasn’t convinced a two-year sentence was long enough.

Another suspect in the March 10 attack at the Jayhawk Motel, 1004 N. Third St., 21-year-old transient James A. Keezer, received a reprieve Friday. He was set to stand trial Tuesday on charges including attempted murder, but he asked for a delay so an expert can evaluate whether he’s mentally competent to stand trial.

Murphy, over prosecutor Dave Zabel’s objection, ordered the evaluation and postponed the trial until Dec. 9.

Scott L. Staggs, 34, a transient arrested for his alleged role in the crime, remains in custody. Suspect Jeremy S. Harris, 25, an Oklahoma resident, awaits trial. Earlier this summer Sara M. Bruce, 19, of Emporia, was sentenced to six months at Labette Correctional Conservation Camp after entering a plea agreement.