Judge sentences Strafford, Mo., man for killing wife, in-laws

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A judge sentenced a Strafford, Mo. man to prison for killing his wife and in-laws.

Jesse Huy, 50, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action. A judge sentenced him to three consecutive life sentences.

“I got my gun and I shot ‘em all in the head,” Huy told police. “Then, I shot them all in the head again to make sure they were down.”

Investigators say Huy killed his spouse, Tonya F. Huy, 48, of Strafford, and her two parents, Ronald L. Koehler, 71, and Linda J. Koehler, 78, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in March 2021.

Teresa Williamson, a family member delivered an impact statement that read in part:

“I will miss Linda and Ron’s Willingness to always be there for all of us. That’s what there were doing with Tonya when this arrogant monster made the decision to take their lives.”

Investigators say Huy called authorities on March 19 to report he killed three family members inside his home in the 4400 block of North Farm Road 249. A dispatcher asked Huy why he did it. Investigators say Huy responded by saying, “well, they wouldn’t leave. I’ve been waiting for a week for them to leave. I’ve had enough.” Huy then told the dispatcher he would not resist deputies when they arrested him.

Investigators say the parents visited Strafford to assist Tonya Huy after back surgery. Investigators say Huy shot them twice while they all sat at a table. Deputies found a 9 mm handgun they believe was used in the shootings on Huy’s truck.

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