Audrain County murder suspect takes plea deal

The accused trigger man in an Audrain County killing pleaded guilty Monday to a lesser charge.

Richard Henry II, 39, of Overland, was accused of killing 30-year-old Leon Wilder III in 2017.

Three people were charged in Wilder’s death – Justin Traughber, Arline Diedrich and Henry. Authorities said Henry shot Wilder.

Henry pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter Monday morning in Audrain County. His trial had been set to take place in Warren County but the plea was heard in Audrain.

Prosecuting attorney Jacob Shellabarger said his team had been in aggressive negotiations with Henry leading up to the plea. Wilder’s family was also involved.

Audrain County sheriff’s deputies said the incident that ended in Wilder’s death started as a methamphetamine deal at the Welcome Inn in Columbia, where Wilder was then forced into a truck.

Later, Wilder’s body was found near the border of Boone and Audrain counties with gunshot wounds.

Traughber was sentenced in November to nine years in prison for second-degree drug trafficking.

Diedrich pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and received a 10-year prison sentence.

As part of the plea deals, prosecutors agreed to defer prosecution on other charges for Traughber and Diedrich.

Henry is set for sentencing June 24 in Audrain County. While voluntary manslaughter is a Class B felony, Henry is eligible for Class A sentencing because he is a prior repeat felony offender. Shellabarger said Henry faces a maximum of 26 years in prison or a minimum of 10.

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