by Amy Page

Dennis Volner has been sentenced in Douglas County after pleading guilty to charges of second degree murder, robbery and armed criminal action in connection with the murder of his cousin, Dustin Skaggs. Volner will serve a 15 year concurrent sentence for the murder and robbery.

In February of last year, Skaggs' body was found in the trunk of his car at the bottom of a water-filled rock quarry near Phillipsburg in Laclede County. Dennis Volner's wife, Julia Monnahan, along with Benny Volner and Elvis Volner, are also charged in connection with Skaggs' murder.

Benny Volner reportedly believed Skaggs was having an affair with Monnahan, his estranged wife. The four allegedly waited outside Skaggs' home until he left for work around 3 a.m. on February 10th of 2008. Julia Monnahan allegedly pretended her Jeep had stalled, and flagged down Skaggs with a flashlight. She reportedly told authorities Elvis Volner struck Skaggs on the head some 20 times with a pipe.

Julia Monnahan is scheduled for a hearing January 5th. Elvis Volner is scheduled for a hearing in Douglas County December 8th. Benny Volner is scheduled for trial in Texas County December 14th.