Accused murderer pleads no contest

PALMER -- The confessed killer of life-long Palmer resident Jane Sasseen pleaded no contest to charges of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery at a court hearing Wednesday, waiving his right to a trial and -- in all likelihood -- closing the door on any chance to change his mind.

Before accepting the plea, Superior Court Judge Eric Smith asked accused murderer William T. Horsey III standard questions such as whether or not Horsey was coerced into the no-contest plea and whether or not he understood the meaning of the plea.

"I understand, sir," Horsey said.

The accused murderer kept his eyes down for most of the proceedings but did look at Smith when the judge spoke directly to him.

Smith explained to Horsey that the state would be arguing for a 99-year sentence for the murder charge and asking for the maximum of 20 years for the robbery charge. Smith also explained that because of sentencing provisions in Alaska's state law, Smith could be obligated to apply the maximum sentence.

"So you understand, it's conceivable that I won't have any discretion on this one?" Smith said.

Horsey acknowledged the question and answered in the affirmative.

Smith then told the defendant that there was not much chance of asserting his right to a trial once the no-contest plea was entered and then Smith asked the defendant more than once whether or not he understood the difficulty of turning back.

"Once again, do you understand the finality of the plea and that it is very difficult to withdraw this plea once it is made?" Smith asked.

"Yes, sir," Horsey answered.

Horsey initially faced 12 felony charges connected with Sasseen's killing last April. Alaska State Troopers found Horsey after staking out ATMs in the downtown area and spotting a man later identified as Horsey who was using Sasseen's debit card. Troopers arrested Horsey at his home five days after Sasseen's body was found in her home. Troopers obtained a confession from Horsey during the initial interview's at Horsey's property. According to affidavits filed by the troopers, Horsey told investigators that he went to Sasseen's house intending only to rob her. He also said he used money from her accounts to buy drugs.

The troopers also linked Horsey to other burglaries and thefts, according to Assistant District Attorney Bob Collins. After the hearing Collins said he could not give the exact number of burglaries and thefts troopers and prosecutors believe Horsey is responsible for. One of the burglaries, Collins confirmed, was associated with a house fire. He said that for sentencing purposes the state will submit information into the record about other crimes that Horsey's confession and other evidence -- such as possession of stolen firearms -- point toward.

Horsey is 53 years old, and Public Defender Greg Heath said his client is remorseful and doesn't want to put his family or Sasseen's family through a lengthy trial.

"He understands that even the minimums are a life sentence," Heath said after the court proceedings.

"I can honestly say that the Mr. Horsey I know is not the same Mr. Horsey who did that act that night -- this case is a textbook example of the destructive nature of drugs," Heath said.

Members of Sasseen's family attended the proceedings. So far, Sasseen's relatives haven't heard any direct message from Horsey that would indicate he is remorseful, according to Sasseen's brother-in-law Raymond A. Nesbett.

"I assume that one of the reasons he changed his plea, is that he wanted to take responsibility for his actions," Nesbett said. " … I've only seen him twice, and I can't tell you what's going on inside his mind."