The family of a man stabbed to death at a 2008 party is unhappy with the plea prospect facing the suspect.

Benjamin Seth Pickett, 19, was fatally stabbed at a post-prom party in the early morning hours of May 18, 2008, at a residence on Navajo Trail in Boone.

Samuel Maurice King, 23, was arrested a few hours after Pickett's death and charged with murder.

Leslie Pickett said she had a meeting earlier this week with assistant district attorney Charlie Byrd and a possible plea agreement was discussed. The plea agreement would total nine to 12 years in prison, on a manslaughter charge and two drug violations, she said.

Byrd refused to comment regarding the possibility of a plea agreement, citing the nature of the ongoing case.

"I would rather a jury tell me 10 years," said Leslie Pickett, the victim's mother. "It is absolutely absurd and ridiculous that a person can stab someone six times and get nine to 10 years.

"I think this gives the impression that Boone is light on crime."

King's next scheduled court appearance is July 12.