One of the five Missouri suspects indicted in a murder case was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison without the possibility of parole for the illegal possession of ammunition. The charge was prosecuted as a federal crime in connection with a double homicide. The suspect pleaded guilty to the charge of felon in possession of ammunition after three shotgun shells were retrieved during a search of his residence in May 2012.
Federal law prohibits anyone convicted of a felony to be in possession of firearms or ammunition. The suspect had three previous convictions, including one for the unlawful use of a weapon and one for a domestic assault. The third felony conviction was made in Arkansas.
The plea does not preclude the possibility of other charges in the future, including charges for murder. The case, which is being prosecuted by federal officials, stems from the findings of remains of a husband and wife who died from gunshot wounds to the head. The victims had allegedly been in a dispute with one of the suspects, and one victim had filed for a protection order. Another suspect in the case has already been charged with two counts of first degree murder.
Felonies such as murder are among the most serious charges a defendant can face. A criminal defense attorney in Missouri may be able to help those accused of these serious crimes to formulate a defense strategy or negotiate a plea to lesser charges. If the case goes to trial, a criminal defense lawyer may represent the interests of the suspect to ensure that he or she is treated fairly during the trial process.
Source: Springfield News-Leader, "Homicide suspect sentenced in federal case," Feb. 28, 2013
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