A Columbia man with a lengthy criminal record has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of Justin Stidham north of Columbia.
939 the Eagle News was at the Boone County Courthouse for Friday afternoon’s emotional pretrial conference for 39-year-old Mark Achterberg, who was scheduled to go on trial Monday for first degree murder and three other felonies. Boone County Prosecutor Roger Johnson amended the charges, and Achterberg pleaded guilty Friday to second degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Achterberg, who was handcuffed and shackled and seated next to defense attorney Kevin O’Brien, tells Boone County Circuit Judge Jeff Harris that he shot and killed Stidham in 2021. Achterberg did not tell Judge Harris why he killed Stidham.
Boone County prosecutor Roger Johnson then called two Stidham family members to testify: Wayne Stidham, Justin’s father, and Susie Pemberton, Justin’s sister. Wayne Stidham looked directly at Achterberg in the courtroom and told him today isn’t his judgment day, adding that “I hope you spend your eternity in hell.” Mr. Stidham told Achterberg that Justin will never see his children grow, saying that the suspect “took that from us.” Mr. Stidham also warned Achterberg about his future in Missouri prison, describing Achterberg as a coward. “Cowards don’t do well in prison,” the father told him, as at least six bailiffs and Boone County Sheriff’s deputies watched nearby.
Ms. Pemberton, the sister, tells Judge Harris that the murder has had a major impact on the Stidham family. “We will never feel his hugs again.” Pemberton tells Judge Harris this has not been easy. Judge Harris leaned forward in his chair, listening closely to the testimony.
Achterberg was captured by authorities in the Hawkeye State, after the 2011 homicide. He’s been jailed since November 2021 and will receive credit for the almost three years he’s served in jail.
