(Edmonton, Kentucky)

The trials in the murder of James Parker Moore began two weeks ago Tuesday and ended Wednesday morning when all three defendants pled out.

It was just short of a year ago when Moore, 38, was found dead in his single wide trailer at 110 High St., Edmonton on Feb. 26, 2010. Three persons were subsequently arrested: Nicholas Hill, 26, of Glasgow and Alex Cassady and Nathaniel Fears, both 21 and both of Edmonton.

Initially, Hill was charged with 1st degree manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence; Cassady and Fears with complicity and tampering with physical evidence.

In June, the grand jury amended the charges, indicting Hill for murder, tampering with physical evidence and being a 2nd degree persistent felony offender; Cassady and Fears were indicted solely on the tampering charge.

On Wednesday, before testimony could begin, Circuit Judge Phil Patton announced that the defendants had each agreed to plead guilty. Fears and Cassady pled guilty to tampering with physical evidence. They were granted a five-year pretrial diversion in which they must adhere to strict guidelines, and, if successful, their charges will be dismissed.

Hill pled guilty to a reduced charge of 2nd degree manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence and 2nd degree persistent felony offender due to two prior felony convictions, one in Barren and one in Metcalfe County.

The state is recommending a total of 20 years. Hill will be ineligible for probation but could be paroled after serving 20 percent of his sentence. Formal sentencing is set for February 22.