PINEVILLE — Two individuals charged with one of the most violent crimes in Bell County’s history pleaded guilty on Friday.

Lora Amburgey and Joshua Parsons — both accused of invading 70-year-old Paul Slusher’s home in Fourmile, robbing, gagging, and then throwing him in the Cumberland river — made a surprise change of plea in Bell County Circuit Court to family, law enforcement, and the media. Their trial was scheduled for August.

Parsons pleaded guilty first. Commonwealth’s Attorney Karen Greene Blondell recommended a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the charges of murder and kidnapping. For charges of robbery in the first degree, Parsons was recommended 20 years; and for tampering with physical evidence he was recommended for five years. All sentences were recommended to run concurrently, meaning life without the possibility for parole.

Amburgey pleaded guilty next and received the same recommendation, except she was charged with complicity to commit murder and kidnapping.

The Slusher family declined interviews after the hearing.

Blondell said after the hearing that the Slusher family authorized the Commonwealth’s recommendations, along with police.

“We’re glad for this family that a proper and just penalty will take place in this case,” said Blondell after the hearing. “This family will have the assurance that both of these people will spend their lives in prison, that they will not have to go through endless appeals.”

Blondell also praised the work of the Kentucky State Police and lead investigator on the Slusher case, Detective Doyle Halcomb.

“You don’t get a penalty of life without parole without an excellent investigation,” said Blondell.

Blondell said the defense contacted her about the possibility of a plea.

“This happened rather suddenly this week, in anticipation for the pretrial conference that was set for next week,” she added.

The possibility remains, however, that Judge James Bowling could reject the recommendation by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and instead impose the death penalty. Both the defendants would then be able to withdraw their guilty plea and go to trial.

“If the court accepts the recommendation of the Commonwealth authorized by the family, authorized by the police, it’s a done deal,” said Blondell.

Blondell said that she was asked by the community almost daily regarding the case.

“I want the community to know that this case is resolved in a way that the defendants will never be able to harm anyone again,” said Blondell. “They’ll be in prison for the rest of their lives.”

Stephen Woodward is a Staff Writer for the Daily News. He may be contacted at swoodward@middlesborodailynews.com.