(Anamosa, IA) -- An Anamosa State Penitentiary inmate will spend the rest of his life in prison after being sentenced for the murders of two prison workers.
On Thursday, a judge sentenced Thomas Woodard to life in prison for two counts of first degree murder, second degree kidnapping, and attempt to commit murder. Woodard pleaded guilty to all charges at a hearing earlier this month. Investigators say Woodard and another inmate, Michael Dutcher, killed Correctional officer Robert McFarland and nurse Lorena Schulte during a botched escape attempt in March.
At the sentencing, Woodard was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the estate of Robert McFarland, and $150,000 in restitution to the estate of Lorena Schulte. Additionally, Woodard was ordered to pay more than $300 to Lori Mathis, another prison employee that was threatened during the failed prison escape attempt.
Dutcher claims the killings were in self-defense and has pleaded not guilty.