Hailey
A man from Emporia, Kansas, has admitted to a serious crime that happened two years ago in Colorado. He is accused of killing two women, who were also from Emporia.
This news has shocked many people in both Kansas and Colorado. The man, Phillip Lieurance, has now accepted a plea deal and will face sentencing for murder in November 2025.
This article explains everything in simple language so that everyone, even a 15-year-old, can understand. Let’s take a closer look at the case, what a plea deal means, who the victims were, and what happens next.
Who Is Phillip Lieurance?
Phillip Lieurance is a man from Emporia, a small city in Kansas. He became the center of a murder case after being accused of killing two women in Colorado in September 2023. Before this case, he had already been in trouble with the law.
In a separate case in Lyon County, Kansas, he was sentenced for aggravated battery and driving under the influence (DUI). This happened after he crashed his car into another car on the Kansas Turnpike. So, even before the double murder case, he had already committed a serious crime.
What Happened in Colorado?
The incident took place in Kiowa County, Colorado, in September 2023. The two victims, Linda Estrada and Amy Ford, were also from Emporia. Police believe that Lieurance murdered both women while they were in Colorado.
Not much has been shared publicly about how the killings happened or why, but the case shocked people in both states. It’s not often that you hear of a double murder involving people from the same small town.
What Is a Plea Deal?
A plea deal is when someone who is accused of a crime admits they are guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence or to avoid a long trial.
This is what Phillip Lieurance did. Instead of going through a full court trial where he could have received a harsher punishment, he agreed to plead guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.
In this case, the Kiowa County prosecutors accepted the plea deal. This means that the court process will now move forward to sentencing instead of a trial.
What Is Second-Degree Murder?
Second-degree murder means killing someone without planning it ahead of time. It’s not as serious as first-degree murder, which is planned and done on purpose, but it’s still a major crime.
So, Lieurance has admitted that he killed the two women, but not in a planned or premeditated way. Even though it’s not first-degree murder, the punishment for second-degree murder can still be very serious.
When Is the Sentencing?
According to Colorado court records, Lieurance’s sentencing is set for November 25, 2025. That’s when the judge will decide how many years he should spend in prison.
Since he admitted to two murders, he could still face a long time in jail, possibly even life imprisonment, depending on the judge’s decision.
Previous Case in Lyon County
Before the Colorado murder charges, Lieurance was involved in a serious crash on the Kansas Turnpike. He was drunk while driving and hit another car. That case ended with him being sentenced for:
- Aggravated battery
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
This shows that Lieurance had a criminal past, and it may have played a role in how the courts handled the murder case.
Community Impact
The Emporia community has been deeply affected by this case. Losing two residents to a violent crime has brought sadness and fear. Many people in the town knew Linda Estrada and Amy Ford, and their deaths have left a huge impact.
Some community members are also upset that someone from their town was capable of such violence. Others feel that the plea deal might help bring the case to a close so the victims’ families can have some peace.
To sum it up, Phillip Lieurance, an Emporia man, has pleaded guilty to killing two women in Colorado in 2023. With the sentencing set for November 25, 2025, he will soon know how long he will stay in prison.
This case is a reminder of how serious crimes can affect small towns and families. Even though the full story behind the killings has not been shared, the plea deal helps speed up justice.
The families of Linda Estrada and Amy Ford are still dealing with the loss, and the upcoming sentencing might offer them a sense of closure.