Accused Orman murder conspirator pleads guilty

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A Chaffee, Mo., woman accused of masterminding a murder plot pleaded guilty Friday in a Bollinger County courtroom to conspiracy to commit murder in connection to the deaths of Jamie Lynn Orman, her unborn child and her teenage son.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said Michelle Lawrence will be sentenced Aug. 26 and that he'll be recommending the maximum sentence -- 15 years in prison. In Missouri, conspiracy to commit murder carries a punishment of five to 15 years. Her sentence, though, will be up to Circuit Court Judge William L. Syler.

"Part of her agreement is that she testify truthfully in the case of Ryan Patterson," Swingle said.

Authorities allege Patterson shot and killed Orman at the home of Lawrence's estranged husband, John Lawrence, where he lived with Jamie Orman. The Ormans were killed when John Lawrence wasn't at the home, police say.

According to Swingle, Michelle Lawrence said in open court that she and Patterson discussed the fact that her life would be better if John Lawrence were dead. She was still a beneficiary on his life insurance policy, she said told the court, even though they were separated and their divorce was pending.

Swingle said Michelle Lawrence also told the court that Patterson said that she wouldn't be a beneficiary for long. Michelle Lawrence said Patterson asked her to go buy bullets for his gun.

Another defendant in the case, Samuel "Ray Ray" Hughes, who police say acted as a lookout, pleaded guilty in late December to second-degree murder in exchange for his testimony against Patterson. Hughes is to be sentenced Sept. 13.

Swingle said Patterson's trial will still take place in August. Opening statements will start Aug. 1.

Terry Bettis, Orman's mother, said Friday she plans to take off days from work to be at the trial. She said she was upset she had to miss Lawrence's hearing Friday. Bettis wanted to be there for her daughter. She said she isn't happy with plea but is somewhat understanding, because now Michelle Lawrence will testify against the alleged shooter.

"Michelle's getting away with murder. She got someone else to do her dirty work," Bettis said. "She got exactly what she wanted, my daughter is gone."

ehevern@semissourian.com

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