A 29-year-old Centralia man has pleaded guilty in Clay County Court to residential burglary and aggravated battery charges in exchange for two first degree murder charges being dropped against him. The charges against Christopher Gallatin are all related to the 2021 murder of 80-year-old Roger Courson at his rural Edgewood home.
Gallatin entered an open plea and is scheduled for sentencing on April 19th. He’s eligible for up to 40 years in prison because he is extended term eligible in both cases.
Gallatin was one of three men charged in connection with Courson’s death.
Walter West of Edgewood pleaded guilty to first degree murder last February and received a 30 year prison term.
Jamie Charlton of Salem pleaded guilty last May to residential burglary in exchange for murder charges being dropped and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Gallatin and Charlton were accused of robbing the home while West allegedly strangled the victim.
