Charges of kidnapping, aggravated burglary, two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of tampering with evidence with gun specifications were dismissed.
Koch was scheduled to go to trial Tuesday.
Demarcus Staley, 19, of Woodlawn; Rodney Foster, 19, of Springdale; and Jibril Willingham, 20, of Springdale, are all facing the same charges as Koch. Their trials are set for later this summer.
The four men planned to rob Kassow, 18, and his brother inside a home at 9383 Cincinnati-Columbus Road, according to prosecutors. Kassow was fatally shot in the apparent botched robbery. While investigating the shooting, police said they discovered a marijuana grow operation at the residence.
Koch drove the men to Kassow’s residence, and Koch and Willingham never left the vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Staley and Foster, who were wearing ski masks, forced their way into the residence at gunpoint when Kassow’s brother opened the door, police said. A scuffle ensued and Kassow was shot once in the head as his brother and two other juveniles watched.
Koch showed little emotion during the plea hearing, but told the judge, “I am very sorry for the actions that happened. I will regret it for the rest of my life.”
Defense attorney William Welsh described Koch as a very young, immature man who takes full responsibility for what happened.
“He wants to talk with others about how a very stupid idea can go wrong and change lives forever … there was never a plan for anyone to get hurt,” Welsh said.
Lila Liggett, Kassow’s mother, sobbed during the sentencing. She stood just a few feet from Koch and told him she appreciated his honesty.
“Nobody wins in this case, but we lost the most,” Liggett said.
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