FORSYTH, Mo. – A man from Highlandville enters Alford pleas to multiple felonies, including second-degree murder, in Taney County Circuit Court Monday.

Under the Alford guidelines,  Mark Bailey, 54, admitted there is sufficient evidence to convict him, but he does not accept responsibility for the crimes, which also include kidnapping and felonious restraint, in the death of 72-year-old Larry Adams of Hollister, in November of 2015.

Prosecutor Jeff Merrell says Bailey assisted 40-year-old Brandy Shaddox of Branson in purchasing zip ties and driving Adams to a remote location in Walnut Shade, where he was left bound up inside a car and eventually died of hypothermia.

“While Mark Bailey was clearly not the most-culpable actor in causing Mr. Adams’ death, the crime would likely not have been able to be completed if not for Bailey’s cooperation with Shaddox,” said Merrell.

Merrell says he anticipates trying the case against Shaddox on April 23^rd in Lawrence County, where it moved on a change of venue. She is facing first-degree murder.

As part of Bailey’s plea agreement, his potential sentence is capped at 20 years in prison.

Bailey’s sentencing is set for Friday, March 30.