RENOVO -- It was a crime that stunned many people in Clinton County. A mother of three first reported missing on Easter Sunday, but that big effort to find her ended with her husband under arrest. Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder.
William Snyder told friends, police, even Newswatch 16 that he had no idea where his wife Kelley Jo was when she went missing back in April. Wednesday, he pleaded guilty to killing her and then making up a lie about her disappearance to cover up the murder.
William Snyder walked silently back to the police cruiser outside the Clinton County courthouse.
He pleaded guilty to charges including third- degree murder for killing his wife Kelley Jo Snyder. Back in April, Snyder was willing to talk with us while friends searched for Kelley Jo in Renovo.
"We miss her and hope that she is safe. If she is out there and can see this or someone sees this or has any information that they will get a hold of us," said William Snyder back in April.
"That whole time we were searching for her and crying with him consoling him,” said Tosha Packer.
According to court papers, Snyder strangled his wife on Easter and dumped her body. He then reported her missing and created a fake ransom note in an effort to cover up the murder.
"He killed a girl. My daughter, a mother of three children. She was a genius. Had a genius IQ, military intelligence and he's getting a smack on the wrist. His parents wasn't here to support him and well that shows something," said John Wertz, the father of the victim.
For some of Kelley Jo's family and friends this is the first time they've been face to face with her husband since he was arrested for her murder.
"My heart stopped as soon as I seen him walk in. I just. There's not really any words. He was a good friend of ours," said Packer.
Snyder faces nearly 50 years in prison when he is sentenced.
"It's the kids we want to make sure they're good that they are alright they grow up and they know their mom and they remember everything beautiful about her," said Packer.
Friends and family hope to raise money for Kelley Jo's three children during a fundraiser the are planning for the spring. As for William Snyder, he will be sentenced in the next few months in Clinton County.
