1 year, 9 months ago by Scott Hardy
Jerry Asbell, Jr. entered Guilty plea Monday
A Monroe City man, charged in the August 2020 death of a Monroe City woman, has changed his Not Guilty plea and admitted his part in the crime.
Jerry Asbell, Jr. pleaded Guilty Monday in Warren County Circuit Court to one count of 2nd Degree Murder. That's after his lawyer filed a notice saying he would do so, as part of a settlement with prosecutors. As part of the settlement, prosecutors dropped counts of 1st Degree Murder, Kidnapping, two counts of assault and five counts of Armed Criminal Action. After the plea, Asbell was then sentenced to 30 years in prison. The case was heard in Warren County on a change of venue from Monroe County. A co-defendant, Jessica Ellsworth faces one count of evidence tampering. She's and Asbell were charged in the disappearance and death of Amanda Johnston, who had been reported missing on August 5th, 2020. Her body was found several days later in Pike County, Missouri.
Ellsworth's free on $25,000 bond.
