Plea Deal Expected For Last Of Jena Six

(CBS/AP)

JENA, Louisiana (AP) Five of six black teens accused of beating a white classmate in a case that led to the biggest civil rights protest in decades are expected to plead guilty Friday

The six students were initially charged with attempted murder in a 2006 attack on Justin Barker.

The severity of those charges sparked a civil rights demonstration with more than 20,000 people converging on the little town of Jena in central Louisiana almost two years ago. The defendants were dubbed the "Jena Six."

Racial tensions at Jena High School reportedly grew throughout the town in the months before the attack.

A sixth defendant pleaded guilty in December 2007.

PREVIOUSLY AT CBS NEWS
June 24, 2009 - Jena Six Case Close To A Deal
Dec. 30, 2008 - "Jena Six" Teen Shoots Self, Is Treated
Sept. 20, 2007 - Protesters Rally In Support Of "Jena 6"

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