Anamosa, Iowa — One of the two inmates accused of killing a nurse and corrections officer at the Anamosa prison in March pleaded guilty Friday to all the charges against him.
Thomas Woodard reached a plea agreement on two counts of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, attempt to commit murder in the deaths of correctional officer Robert McFarland and nurse Lorena Schulte, as well as the injuring of another inmate. In the hearing streamed by KCRG-TV, Judge Fae Hoover explained to Woodard that he is giving up his right to a trial on the charges by making the pleas. She then proceeded with Woodard’s pleas.
The judge continued with the second count of murder.
The judge followed the same procedure for the other counts and Woodard answered guilty to each charge. Under the agreement, he will serve his life sentence in his home state of Nebraska. The judge and attorneys are working on a sentencing date.
The other inmate charged in the case, Michael Dutcher of Sioux City, has pleaded not guilty, and waived his right to a speedy trial.
Photo courtesy KCRG-TV
