Two Columbia murder suspects plead guilty; state seeks 18-year sentence

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two men accused of a 2022 murder in Columbia pleaded guilty Wednesday, just days before going to trial.

They'll likely serve nearly two decades in prison per the terms of the plea agreement.

Oscar Ashford and Samarion Robins entered guilty pleas to second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon. Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson said the state agreed to 18 years in prison for each man. Sending will is set for Monday.

Ashford and Robins were set for a joint trial to start Monday. A pretrial conference was held hours before the guilty pleas were entered.

Court records state the two defendants appeared with lawyers, along with prosecutors, in front of Judge Jeff Harris on Wednesday afternoon.

As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped one count of armed criminal action.

The two were charged in the death of 15-year-old Aubrey Doxley in 2022 on McKee Street. Charges are still active against another defendant, Daniel Ayers.

A final disposition and sentencing hearing is set for Monday afternoon.