Thai Chang admitted in court Thursday that he was among a group of people who participated in the beating death of 20-year-old Tai Yang in the early morning hours of May 10, 2009, outside the Moonlight Magic bar in St. Paul's Frogtown neighborhood.

Chang, 23, of St. Paul, was the first of the remaining five defendants to plead guilty in the case. Charges have been dismissed against two others. The plea agreement called for him to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter. In return, a charge of second-degree unintentional murder will be dismissed when he is sentenced May 4 by Ramsey County District Judge Paulette Flynn.

Prosecutor David Miller told the victim's family members that he wanted them to hear the evidence presented at codefendant Nou Chang's trial, which is set for April 19, before Chang is sentenced.

The plea agreement also calls for a cap on prison time at the low end of the sentencing guidelines and for Chang to pay restitution. It does not specify that Chang will have to testify in the trials of any of his codefendants.

Under questioning from Miller, Chang said he was with people he knew at the bar at Western and Thomas avenues the night of May 9. After midnight, the group went outside. A melee ensued, shots were fired, and Chang's friend and fellow gang member, Steven Moua, was injured.

Meanwhile, Yang, the victim, was lying on the sidewalk while people kicked and stomped him. Chang said he was wearing sandals when he kicked Yang in the stomach. Yang died from "multiple blows" he suffered during the beating, Miller said.

Seven people were charged with second-degree murder in his death. Charges later were dismissed against Kou Thao, 20, and Teng Yang, 26. Nou Chang, 23, Keng Xiong, 24, and Michelle Vue, 26, are awaiting trial. Chue Yang, 24, has a court hearing set for Feb. 25. All have St. Paul addresses.

Pat Pheifer • 612-741-4992