Story Published:
Sep 17, 2008 at 11:51 AM CST
Story Updated:
Sep 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM CST
CASSVILLE, Mo. -- A woman from Shell Knob received a four-year prison sentence on Tuesday for her part in the death of a man from Shell Knob three years ago. Etta Harper entered an Alford plea for arson in June.
Investigators say Harper and Naomi Nance tried to cover up the murder of William Nance, Naomi Nance’s husband, by setting fire to the Nances’ home in July 2005. Naomi Nance pleaded guilty for arson on Tuesday and a judge plans to sentence her in November.
Investigators say Dennis Bisher, Harper’s fiancé, beat Nance with a hammer and shot him before the fire. Three fishermen found Nance’s body in the Mississippi River.
Harper’s Alford plea means she doesn’t admit guilt but concedes prosecutors have enough evidence to convict her.
Bisher is serving a life (30-year) prison sentence without possibility of parole for first-degree murder plus a consecutive 99-year sentence for armed criminal action. A jury in Lafayette County, where the case was moved to try to ensure a fair outcome, convicted Bisher in 2006.
