From the article above-actually it was this that stood out to me:
.....The Woods have hired attorneys Dee Wampler and Joseph Passanise to serve as their spokespersons during this process. In a statement released Thursday evening, the attorneys said the Woods are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
This unexpected incident involving their son, Craig, has been a shock and they are grieving, the statement read. They join the rest of the community praying as their hearts pour out to the Owens family.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/02/20/4838949/past-of-man-suspected-of-killing.html#storylink=cpy
Dee Wampler is a high profile, controversial "celebrity" attorney. He seems an unusual choice for Woods' parents to hire and he's likely pretty expensive. Apparently Woods' parents are people of means, if not wealthy, they're pretty well off by local standards and likely well known in the community.
I hate to think about it, but if LE had not found so much tragic evidence at Woods' home, he likely would never have been convicted of this crime, even if they had identified his pickup and plates. His family likely would have hired Dee Wampler to defend Wood and, given his many friends, parent's standing in the community, and minor criminal background, Wampler probably would have gotten him off. Springfield is the kind of town where your reputation in the community counts for everything, for better or worse.
Like many others, I also have a gut feeling this wasn't his first killing.