Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merrell announced that Jason Osborn, dob: 04/11/1967 was sentenced today to fifteen (15) years on each of two counts of murder in the second degree in addition to five (5) years on each of three counts of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, and five (5) years for one count of enticement of a child. Probation was denied on all counts. On January 21, 2009 JASON OSBORN was found guilty after a two day bench trial of two counts of murder in the second degree, three counts of the class C felony of endangering in the first degree, and one count of the class C felony of enticement of a child. After a change of venue and judge from Taney County, Judge John Moody of the 44th Judicial Circuit in Hartville, Missouri heard the case.

On August 11, 2003, members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Taney County Sheriff’s Department responded to a motor vehicle accident on Blansit Road, east of US Highway 160 near Walnut Shade, Missouri. At that location officers observed a white Ford Taurus that had lost control on a gravel road, struck a tree and caught fire. Two of the occupants of the vehicle sustained fatal injuries and were still inside the vehicle. Those occupants were both 14 years of age at the time of their death. It was later determined through investigation that JASON OSBORN was letting four boys, all age 14 years of age drive the vehicle up and down Blansit Road while taking turns riding on the hood and in the window sill while he road in the front. During the final trip, JASON OSBORN, jerked the wheel of the vehicle being driven by one of the 14 year old boys. The vehicle lost control and collided into a tree catching fire. Both the boy driving and riding on the hood survived with injuries. The two boys riding on the windowsill of the passenger window received fatal injuries.

The two boys that survived the collision later disclosed that JASON OSBORN solicited them during the period leading up to the collision for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct by making comments of a sexual nature, requesting photographs of the boys, attempting to kiss them, and requesting sexual favor. It was also learned during the investigation that JASON OSBORN had been providing the four 14 year old boys alcohol, cigarettes, and cough syrup during the summer months leading up to the collision as well as allowing them access to vehicles he possessed in order to further his purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with them.