Colby Thornton, 20 of Calhoun, Missouri was sentenced to seventeen (17) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for burglary in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree and sexual abuse in the first degree.
The Henry County Prosecuting Attorney filed the case against Thornton in December 2019. The case stems from an investigation by the Henry County Sheriff Office of a home invasion that occurred in Calhoun on December 17, 2019. Thornton who was 17 years of age at the time broke into the residence at night. While in the residence, Thornton sexually assaulted the elderly homeowner and tied the victim to furniture with electrical tape. Thornton then left the scene with the victim’s vehicle and a number of items including the victim’s debit card.
Deputies located the victim’s vehicle in the area some time later and followed footprints to Thornton’s location, where he was then taken into custody. DNA evidence later confirmed Thornton’s presence in the home and in physical contact with the victim. Video footage obtained from local businesses also assisted in confirming Thornton’s involvement.
Uncontrollable circumstances prolonged the case over the last three years, however, the agencies involved worked diligently for justice for the victim. The Sheriff’s Office worked extensively to fully investigate, collect, and have evidence tested. During the pendency of the case, Henry County Prosecuting Attorney LaChrisha Gray sought to preserve the testimony of the victim whose declining health required a move out of state, which was accomplished through the help of that other state’s district attorney.
On April 12, 2023, Thornton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years for burglary, twelve years for kidnapping and five years for sexual abuse. The five year sentence for the count of sexual abuse is to run consecutive to the other counts. Therefore, Thornton’s controlling sentence will be seventeen years. Because of the nature of the crimes, the law requires that he serve nearly twelve years of that sentence before being eligible for release on parole.
