Beating suspects released after plea deal

Two of the three men who police say beat a Rutland man into unconsciousness outside a restaurant were released jail after pleading guilty to reduced charges. The men were facing felony charges for beating 41-year-old Chris Edwards. But as part of a plea agreement, the two entered guilty pleas to misdemeanor simple assault. A third man is still in jail. Rutland County Deputy State's Attorney Peter Neary would not say why prosecutors offered the deal.