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Missouri Man Gets Three Life Sentences For Killing Wife, In-Laws After They Overstayed Their Welcome
“Well, they wouldn’t leave,” Jesse Huy allegedly told a dispatcher in Greene County, Missouri after shooting dead his wife Tonya Huy, 48, and his in-laws, Ronald Koehler, 71, and Linda J. Koehler, 78.
A judge sentenced a Missouri man to three consecutive life sentences after he was convicted of murdering his wife and in-laws in his house, telling police he had done so because they had overstayed their welcome.
Jesse Huy, 50, pleaded guilty to fatally shooting his wife, 48-year-old Tonya F. Huy, and her parents, Ronald L. Koehler, 71, and Linda J. Koehler, 78 on March 19, 2021. He was sentenced Friday to three life terms with no parole for murder and nine years for armed criminal action – the sentences will run consecutively, according to The Associated Press.
According to online court documents, Huy called Greene County authorities soon after the killing, telling a dispatcher that he shot all three in the head while they sat at a table in his home in Strafford.
“Well, they wouldn’t leave,” Huy allegedly told the dispatcher. “I’ve been waiting for a week for them to leave. I’ve had enough.”
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Huy then told the dispatcher that he would not resist arrest when officers arrived. They found the 9mm handgun he used to shoot his victims in the bed of his truck on the property.
Ronald and Linda Koehler had traveled from Louisiana to help their daughter recover from back surgery, Ozarks First reported, citing a probable cause affidavit. Linda stayed with the couple, while Ronald stayed in an RV at a nearby trailer park.
Huy allegedly told detectives that he felt “intruded on” and “disrespected” by his in-laws, the AP reported. He stated that he shot his wife because she sided with her parents, arguing that she owned half their home and had a right to choose if they stayed.
Following the argument, “I went outside, got my gun and shot all three victims in under a minute,” he allegedly confessed. “I shot ‘em all in the head. Then, I shot them all in the head again to make sure they were down.”
Huy was supposed to face trial in October, but changed his plea to guilty moments before opening arguments. His attorneys have no intention of appealing his conviction.
The Koehler’s niece Teresa Williamson delivered an impact statement at Huy’s sentencing, NBC affiliate WSAZ reported.
“I will miss Linda and Ron’s willingness to always be there for all of us,” she said. “That’s what they were doing with Tonya when this arrogant monster made the selfish decision to take their lives.”
