A Kirksville murderer admitted in court Wednesday that he killed three people during a mass shooting at a Kirksville apartment on December 30, 2021.
Anquan “AJ” Glover, 24, of Kirksville, appeared in Boone County Circuit Court in Columbia for a change of venue from Adair County.
As part of a plea agreement, Glover pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.
In late December 2021, the defendant fatally shot Braxton Cottrill, 22, and Parker Sizemore, 18 months old.
He also shot 18-year-old Kirksville resident Alissa Anders. She died one month later.
Anders was pregnant when the shooting occurred. Her baby was delivered via emergency C-section and survived.
Following Wednesday’s hearing, Anders’ sister, Shailyn Anders, told our sister station, KRCG, that her family had originally wanted Glover to receive life without parole, but they agreed to the plea deal.
“Initially, it’s not what we wanted, but he did admit to it, and it’s kind of closure,” Shailyn Anders said. “It’s not fully, but it’s not necessarily going to go away.”
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Parker Sizemore’s mother, Cheyenne Beaty, also spoke to KRCG.
“It’s not what we wanted, but at least he’s saying he did it, finally, and I have good faith that the judge is going to give him two consecutive life sentences, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
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Beaty stated that she and her family supported the death penalty for Glover, but they also agreed to the plea agreement.
Glover also hit Randall Yarrington in the chest. Yarrington survived his injuries.
Glover will serve at least 30 years in prison as part of his plea deal with prosecutors. He has a chance at life.
A judge will decide his fate and announce the sentence at a hearing at the Boone County Courthouse on February 21, 2025.
Glover must serve at least 85% of whatever sentence the judge imposes.
The defendant will remain in Adair County Jail until his sentencing.
Ray Rijos of Kirksville, Glover’s co-defendant, was found guilty on six counts during a January 2023 trial in Adair County.
The charges included three counts of second-degree murder.
Rijos is serving a life sentence with the Missouri Department of Corrections.
