David Ison pleads guilty to Franklin County murders

The man charged in the murders of five people in rural Franklin County changed his plea Tuesday morning.

David Ison, 46, appeared in Franklin County Circuit Court to plead guilty.

Ison allegedly shot and killed Angela, Roy, Melissa, and Jacob Napier and their neighbor, Henry Smith. 

Detectives discovered the victims’ bodies, after Melissa Napier's 4-year-old daughter was seen wandering alone near their home on Stipps Hill Road in Laurel on September 25.


In addition to pleading guilty, Ison accepted a sixth life sentence without the possibility of parole.

By pleading guilty, Ison is giving up his right to appeal the verdict.

Ison will be sentenced Wednesday, March 14 at 9 a.m. in Franklin County.