Mario Jermaine Simmons answered the judge’s questions softly as he pleaded guilty to the murder of Paul Jermaine Molette on Monday.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Marvin Wiggins accepted Simmons’ plea in a small room adjoining his courtroom as a jury pool waited unknowing of the proceedings. Wiggins asked Simmons, 26, a series of questions, to which he softly answered &uot;yes,&uot; before taking his plea.

Simmons’ plea stemmed from a Feb. 28, 2003, incident near the Washington Street Supermarket. The murder occurred after Simmons and Molette, 21, were ejected from Clyde’s Tornado Lounge & Ballroom. Moments after leaving the club Molette fled the area as Simmons chased him while firing a gun.

Simmons’ sentencing is expected in six to eight weeks. He remains out on bond.

Morgan said Dallas County District Attorney Ed Greene told her that the plea would save her family the anguish of a trial. &uot;I’m OK with that if he gets a substantial punishment,&uot; Morgan said. &uot;He took a life and God will be his ultimate judge.&uot;

Greene said he was pleased with the case’s outcome. &uot;The evidence was very strong,&uot; Greene said. &uot;It is a murder case. It is an intentional killing.&uot;

Greene added that Simmons entered a blind plea, which means Wiggins will determine Simmons’ sentence after hearing from Greene and attorney William Faile, Simmons’ counsel, at the sentence hearing. &uot;We’re going to recommend life,&uot; Greene said. &uot;The evidence looked pretty clear.&uot;

Faile said the plea occurred away from the jury pool just in case it wasn’t successful so that the pool wouldn’t be tainted. &uot;We thought it was in the best interests of my client to not have a trial,&uot; Faile said.

At Simmons’ sentencing, Greene and Faile will present evidence to Wiggins. Wiggins will also inspect a pre-sentencing report, which will have information about Simmons’ family, employment and history.

The minimum sentence Simmons can receive is 20 years.