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Ashby pleads guilty to murder
By Jim Rawlins

Police had to step in to break up a courtroom fight Nov. 12 after a Litchfield man pleaded guilty to the murder of an East Gillespie woman.

Moments after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the 2003 death of Angela Lee, Anthony Ashby, 28, was sentenced to 33 years in prison. Under terms of the sentence, Ashby must serve all 33 years.

Macoupin County Judge Patrick Londrigan also sentenced Ashby to three years of supervised parole, giving Ashby 568 days credit for time served in the Macoupin County Jail. Since his arrest, Ashby has been held at the jail on $2 million bond.
Members of both Lee’s and Ashby’s families sat in the courtroom during plea and sentencing hearing. Shortly after the hearing was concluded, both families began exchanging words.

The situation quickly escalated, with Ashby’s father, Robert Ashby, and Lee’s father, Scot Lee, both rising from their seats. The two men appeared ready to charge at each other when deputies stepped in.

Police wrestled R. Ashby to the ground between the first and second row of benches in the courtroom. Deputies handcuffed both R. Ashby and his wife, Karen Ashby.
“I’m not doing anything,” K. Ashby cried out as police tried to handcuff her. “Why are you doing this to us?”

Members of S. Lee’s family, along with additional bailiffs, held him in place until things calmed down. Although both R. Ashby and K. Ashby were removed from the courtroom in handcuffs, police chose not to arrest either individual. Macoupin County Sheriff Don Albrecht stated his department is still reviewing the situation to decide if any charges may be filed in the near future.

Both sides continued to exchange heated words. Police did have to diffuse another situation outside the Courthouse, although no arrest was made.

In addition to Macoupin County Sheriff’s Deputies, Illinois State Police were also present in the courtroom. According to Macoupin County Circuit Clerk Mike Mathis, the additional security was brought in to avoid any problems. “There have been some harsh feelings in this case,” Mathis said, “and there were some concerns that something like this might occur. Don Albrecht and the deputies did a great job in reacting as quickly as they did to avoid letting things get out of hand.”

Albrecht had deputies stationed throughout the main courtroom, including several at the back doors. There was also security on both sides and on the dais. In addition, no one was allowed to sit in the front bench.

“We suspected something might happen,” Albrecht said. “There were 10 baliffs in the courtroom, just in case trouble broke out.”

Source: Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat, November 19, 2008