A Ripley County man has pleaded guilty to four counts of murder. Attorney General Chris Koster says one of the defendants charged in the deaths of four people in Ripley County in 2010 has pleaded guilty.
David Youngblood has been sentenced to four consecutive life sentences for killing Edgar Atkinson and Bonnie Chase, and Loyd and Irene Piatt, all of Ripley County.
Youngblood’s daughter, Chantele, and Keith Boyles are also charged in the four murders. His wife, Melissa Youngblood, is charged with murdering Edgar Atkinson and Bonnie Chase. The Piatts were David Youngblood’s aunt and uncle.
Each of the victims was shot to death and their homes set on fire to cover up the crimes.
Attorney General Chris Koster was Special Prosecutor in the case.
