COLUMBIA, MO. -- A man charged who pleaded guilty to the murder of an Ohio drifter was sentenced in Boone County Court Monday.
Chad Harvey, 20, was sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder beating death of James McNeely.
Harvey pleaded guilty to second degree murder, kidnapping and abandoning a corpse on Oct. 12, instead of going to trial for first degree murder.
Earlier in December, Harvey decided to take back the guilty plea. However, Monday morning, Harvey decided to uphold his guilty plea.
As part of his plea agreement with prosecutors, Chad will testify against his mother, Angela Harvey, his father, Chester Harvey, and his teenage brother Jordan Harvey.
Chad's 17-year-old brother is scheduled to have a certification hearing to determine if he will be charged as an adult for McNeely's murder.
Chad’s half-brother Nathan Harvey was on the stand as a character witness. Nathan told the judge that Chad took care of him and babysat him.
James McNeely’s wife and mother-in-law were on the stand and told the judge that Chad deserves the harshest punishment for killing McNeely.
Chad also took the stand and answered questions asked by Audrain County Prosecutor about the crime. Chad told McNeely’s family that he is sorry for what he did and regrets his actions. Chad said if he could take it back, he would.
Chad was taken straight to state penitentiary right after the hearing.
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