ANDERSON — A man who helped his brother conceal the killing of an Elwood man is expected to be freed within weeks in a plea agreement that requires him to testify at his sibling’s murder trial.
Jeffrey L. Guffey, 39, 210 1/2 N. 18th St., New Castle, was sentenced Monday on charges of arson and assisting a criminal. Superior Court 1 Judge Dennis Carroll said that because Guffey had been jailed since his arrest in March 2008, his credit for time served means that he’ll be released July 15 under terms of his plea agreement.
Carroll noted that an unusual provision of Guffey’s plea bargain requires him to testify fully and truthfully against Jerry Guffey, whose murder trial is scheduled for Aug. 25. Otherwise, his probation would be at risk and he could be returned to jail for an additional three years.
Jerry Guffey, 54, of Elwood, is accused of murder in the death of John Collier, 78. Investigators said Collier was found nearly decapitated on July 9 in his home at 400 N. 11th St. in Elwood.
Officials said early in the investigation that Jerry Guffey may have viewed Collier as a romantic rival for his girlfriend.
Jeffrey Guffey previously admitted that he had done as his brother requested and set fire to Collier’s 1997 Ford Crown Victoria that was taken after Collier’s death.
During his sentencing Monday, Guffey responded “yes” when asked if he was remorseful, but made no further statement.
Defense attorney Anthony Lawrence said to Guffey, “your childhood was pretty tough,” and outlined a juvenile history that included being removed from the family home at age 6. Lawrence said Guffey began to experiment with alcohol at about age 8 or 9, and has since battled substance abuse.
Lawrence said Guffey had 15 siblings at home and was sentenced to the Department of Corrections as a juvenile.
Carroll said a troubled past “never excuses folks,” but “it helps to understand the difficulties” that may have contributed to crimes.
Guffey will also be required to undergo substance-abuse counseling as a term of his three-year probation.
In court Monday, Madison County Prosecutor Thomas Broderick hand-delivered a subpoena to Guffey compelling him to testify against his brother on Aug. 26.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford @heraldbulletin.com
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