Kennett man pleads guilty to murder, asks for forgiveness

GREEN COUNTY, Ark. -- A Kennett, Mo., man charged in 2007 with the first-degree murder and rape of his ex-wife and kidnapping of their son has recently pleaded guilty to both charges and asked the victim's family to forgive him for his actions.

Kristopher Parker, 34, appeared before Green County Circuit Court Judge, David Laser, on Wednesday in connection with a case that began just a little over one year ago.

In June 2007, Parker was accused of beating his ex-wife, Tiffany "Raines" Parker (also a Kennett native), to death, raping her, and then kidnapping their toddler son, Carson, from Raines' home in Paragould, Ark., before turning himself into Green County authorities the following morning.

On Wednesday, Parker told Laser that he did, in fact, beat his ex-wife to death with a tool carpenters typically use to install carpet and other types of flooring.

According to information reported by the Paragould Daily Press on Friday, Parker also admitted to kidnapping his and Tiffany's child, and apologized to the Raines family for their loss, and for his actions that tragic day.

Parker was quoted as saying, "You all have been through more in this past year than anyone should have to go through. I hope God gives you all peace. And I beg you for forgiveness."

Parker also told Tiffany's family that she did not deserve what happened to her and that he took full responsibility for his actions, which led to her untimely death.

The confessed murderer was sentenced to life in prison, with an additional five years for the kidnapping of Carson Parker.

The rape charge was dismissed, in accordance with Parker's guilty plea.