Third accused in beating gets probation

BENTON, Mo. -- A Chaffee, Mo., man pleaded guilty to misdemeanor third-degree assault last week and was sentenced to two years' supervised probation.

In his plea, Kelly R. Church, 31, admitted his part in the beating of a 44-year-old Scott City man in March.

According to the probable-cause statement, the victim told police that Church and co-defendants Trent Tancheck, 27, and David A. Turner, 21, both of Scott City, punched and kicked him outside Tancheck's home March 4.

The victim said the beating took place after he had driven Tancheck and his wife home from a gas station when the pair could not find keys to their car, the statement said.

Church was originally charged with first-degree felony assault, robbery and tampering with a victim/witness or attempted tampering with a victim in a felony prosecution.

Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd said Tuesday the charges were reduced in part due to Church's cooperation.

Tancheck pleaded guilty to assault, robbery and tampering with a witness and was sentenced Oct. 6 to seven years in prison. Turner pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced July 27 to six years in prison.