YAKIMA, Wash.-- The case against a man accused of killing three people in West Valley in 2010 came to an end Wednesday after Kevin Harper pled guilty to charges other then murder.
"We still don't have any closure, or what we feel is any justice in this case for our friends," said Mike Morrisette, a longtime friend of Bill and Pauline Goggin.
Morrisette says he was in disbelief as he heard a Yakima County judge read two guilty pleas to charges other than murder.
"All we wanted was justice," he said.
Kevin Harper, the man Yakima County prosecutors once accused of killing William, Pauline, and Elizabeth Goggin has pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, and second degree possession of stolen property. Charges that carry a maximum of fifteen years behind bars.
"This holds Mr. Harper accountable for his portion of his conduct in this case. And it's a reflection of his acceptance of responsibility," said Pete Mazzone, Harper's attorney.
In court Wednesday, prosecutors say they offered the plea deal after new information was uncovered that changed the timeline of the murder, exonerating the defendant.
Harper's attorney says he wasn't privy to that evidence, and prosecutors hurried out a back door before we were able to ask more questions.
This case has taken several turns in recent months, including several requests for dismissal due to misconduct, even allegations of eavesdropping on private phone calls.
So now, with no killer named, family and friends are left wondering what's next.
"Disbelief I think mostly, and disappointment in the system, the justice system," said Morrisette.
There is still a woman in jail in connection with these killings. Tracy Culton is facing first degree murder charges but prosecutors did not believe she was the one who killed the Goggin's.
Prosecutors suggested about half the maximum sentence to the judge. A little over seven years in jail.
