Twelve Year Sentence for Murder Suspect after Guilty Plea

Kyla Croney, 35, of Viola, Ark., has pled guilty to two counts of second degree murder and has been sentenced to serve 12 years in prison, according to Court records. 

 

The charges stem from the May murder of Frankie L. Ziegler, 28, Mountain View, and Richard L. Kuntz, 30, West Plains. Authorities charged three suspects after the bodies of the victims were discovered in a vehicle near County Road 4000 in West Plains. 

 

Croney’s conviction is a plea agreement. Originally charged with two counts of first degree murder, multiple counts of armed criminal action, and attempted robbery, Croney reached a modified agreement with the prosecuting attorney on October 7. She has been sentenced on two counts of second degree murder during the perpetration of a felony during which a person dies. Her two 12-year sentences will be served concurrently. Croney was also sentenced to serve four years on drug charges, which will also be served concurrently. 

 

Her sentences began on October 7, 2020.

 

Criminal cases remain open for the other suspects: Joey Allen Marcack and Levi Daniel Gunter.