Stark takes plea deal in Timber Knob VFD arson, burglary case

One of two people charged with torching the Timber Knob Volunteer Fire Department's fire house on April 23 and burglarizing fire chief Ruby Winslow's home pleaded guilty in Ozark County Circuit Court Feb. 8 to several felonies.
William Coy Stark, 24, of Killeen Bell, Texas, appeared before Judge John Moody and pleaded guilty to four felonies: conspiracy to steal, two burglary charges and second-degree arson. He was given five years probation and ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution in an agreement that he would testify against the primary defendant, Jonathan David Cain.
Cain, 28, of Shawnee, Kans., is charged with two burglary counts, armed criminal action, second degree arson and conspiracy to steal. He is set to appear in Ozark County Circuit Court March 7. Authorities believe Cain was the instigator in the crimes and had talked Stark into helping him when the two served in the military together. Cain had previously worked for Winslow and the fire department. Stark has an exemplary military record, something Moody pointed out in court last week.
"You only get to play the military card once," Moody told Stark. "If you screw up on this you're looking at a lot of time behind bars. Do you understand me?"
Stark nodded and answered, "Yes sir."
The incident unfolded April 23, 2011, when the Ozark County Sheriff's Department received a report of a fire at the Timber Knob Fire Department off Highway W near its intersection with Highway 5 south. Ruby Winslow left her home to respond to the fire but couldn't reach the firehouse due to high water in the creek. She returned home, where she surprised Cain who was allegedly in the process of burglarizing the house, authorities have said.
The fire caused more than $200,000 in damage to the fire house.
Also appearing in court during the February law day was accused murderer Marty Wayne Overby.
Overby's attorney, Larry Tyrol of Springfield, filed a motion last month to withdraw as legal counsel for 31-year-old Overby, who along with his wife Candace Richardson, is accused of killing 56-year-old Charles Earl Peterson in September 2010. Moody granted the motion. Overby will now be represented by the public defender's office.
Overby and Richardson are charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, first-degree robbery and first-degree arson.
Authorities allege the pair robbed Peterson then set fire to his mobile home near Spring Creek. Peterson's remains were discovered in the debris of the mobile home. Investigators say the fire was started by an explosive device and that there were indications that methamphetamine was being made on the property.
Prosecuting Attorney Tom Cline has filed notice that he will seek the death penalty for Overby and Richardson.
Overby's next court appearance will be April 4. Richardson's trial is set to begin March 12.