A former U.S. astronaut pleaded guilty to manslaughter and assault in the deaths of two young girls in a car crash. James Halsell Jr., was arrested in 2016 and charged with murder in the deaths of Jayla Latrice Parker, 13, and Niomi Deona James, 11. On Thursday, Halsell pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of manslaughter. He also faced four counts of assault, but two of those assault charges were dismissed as a result of his plea agreement. He was taken into custody following Thursday's court appearance and sentencing. As part of the agreement, Halsell pleaded guilty to the maximum sentence of 20 years under the manslaughter offense, Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hays Webb said.