Matthew Laurin, 21, Springfield, plead guilty Monday to two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of first-degree burglary in the Oct. 11, 2008 slaying of Bob Sheldon, 70, and his wife, Ellen Sheldon, 71, at their home on Black Powder Lane immediately west of Carthage.
Their youngest son, Daniel Sheldon, found the couple in their home on Black Powder Lane west of Carthage.
Investigators said the two were murdered during an attempted burglary at their home.
Laurin and Darren Winans, 22, Jasper, were arrested in July after a nine-month investigation that left investigators and the Sheldon family frustrated at an apparent lack of leads.
Laurin was sentenced to life in prison, without parole.
