Bodybuilders accept plea deals in death of assistant

Champion bodybuilders Craig Titus and Kelly Ryan took a plea deal late today. Before District Judge Jackie Glass, Titus pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and arson for the death of the couple’s assistant, Melissa James. Ryan pleaded guilty to arson and battery with a deadly weapon with substantial bodily harm. Under the terms of the deal, Titus faces a potential prison term of 17 to 55 years, with credit for the more than two years he’s already served. Ryan faces a prison term of two to 15 years for each of the two charges against her, with credit for time served. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18.