LATAH COUNTY, Idaho – A Moscow, Idaho judge sentenced David Stone to three-years in prison Wednesday for his role in the murder of Rachael Anderson. The plea deal carried a minimum three-year sentence. However, due to time served, Stone is eligible for parole in a year and a half.
As part of the plea deal, Stone testified during the 2014 trial against Anderson's estranged husband, Charles Capone. Stone testified that he witnessed Capone strangling Anderson after a heated argument. He told the jury he helped Capone wrap up Anderson's body and place it in the back of his Dodge Durango SUV.
Jurors found Capone guilty in October.
Stone's Wednesday sentencing began around 2:30pm. At one point Rachel Anderson's oldest daughter, Amber Griswold, took the stand and commented on Stones actions.
She said while he did come forward to tell authorities what happened, his decision not to report Anderson's death for more than 3 years was wrong.
"His decision has affected us greatly," said Griswold.
That decision was to cover up the murder of Anderson.
When it was Stone's turn to talk, he read a letter that said he was extremely remorseful and should have acted sooner.
"To say that I could image how you feel would be wrong. What I would like to say is that I am genuinely and sincerely sorry," said Stone.
Stone's defense then argued that he came forward about the murder and that jail has changed him. The defense also said Stone has been living in remorse.
Despite Stone's clean criminal record prior to the incident, the prosecution said the court needed to send a message that the crime committed by Stone was not acceptable. That he still could have intervened or come forward earlier.
The judge acknowledged Stone's clean criminal record, as well as his military service and his time spent as a volunteer firefighter good history and said that society does not need to be protected from Stone in this case. He continued to say that even though you were not part of any plan, I still wonder what took you so long to come forward.
"To Rachel's family, I am truly sorry," said Stone.
