CEDAR RAPIDS — An Iowa teenager pleaded guilty Monday to murder in the deaths of his parents in 2021, using a knife and ax to kill them in an effort to “take charge of his life.”
Ethan Alexander Orton pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents Casey Arthur Orton, 42, and Misty Scott-Slade, 41, of Cedar Rapids.
Cedar Rapids police were called about 2 a.m. on Oct. 14, 2021, to check out suspicious noises coming from a home and found the then-17-year-old Orton covered in blood. He told police he used a knife to stab his parents and then used an ax on his mother when she appeared to be alive, according to a criminal complaint.
The case was delayed as defense lawyers argued Orton suffered from a mental disorder and wasn't competent to stand trial. A judge ultimately ruled he was competent.
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Police say Orton admitted to killing his parents as part of a desire to ""take charge of his life," according to the complaint.
The judge will set a sentencing date for Orton later.
Photos: Pleasant Valley defeats West Des Moines Valley, 43-28, advances to a Class 5A Iowa Girls semifinals
Pleasant Valley's Halle Vice looks to shoot under pressure from Valley's Ana Spaine during Monday's Class 5A state quarterfinal in Des Moines. The Spartans face West Des Moines Dowling in a semifinal at 11:45 a.m. Thursday.
Pleasant Valley coach Jennifer Goetz reacts to a play during Monday's game against West Des Moines Valley. The Spartans seek their first trip to a state final.
Pleasant Valley's Isabelle Kremer (24) pulls down a rebound over Valley's Ana Spaine (12) during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Quinn Vice (23) tries to pass under pressure from Valley's Brynne Katcher (11) during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Halle Vice (12) and Valley's Jayci Loecke (10) look for a loose ball during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Jessie Clemons (2) moves towards the basket around Valley's Madison Brown (15) during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Addy Maurer defends against Valley's Brynne Katcher during the first half of Monday's state quarterfinal game in Des Moines. The Spartans advanced to the semifinals with a 43-28 triumph.
Pleasant Valley's Jessie Clemons (2) moves to shoot while surrounded by Valley's Elan Litt (2), left, and Jayci Loecke (10), right, during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Halle Vice (12) shoots under pressure from Valley's Ana Spaine (12) during Pleasant Valley vs West Des Moines Valley Class 5A quarterfinal-round action of the Iowa Girls High School State Basketball Tournament played Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
Pleasant Valley's Jessie Clemons shoots in front of Valley's Madison Brown during Monday's Class 5A state quarterfinal at Wells Fargo Arena. Clemons had 11 points and four steals for the Spartans in their 43-28 win.
Pleasant Valley's Halle Vice defends against Valley's Brynne Katcher during Monday's Class 5A state quarterfinal at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Spartans limited the Tigers to 25% shooting in a 43-28 victory.
Pleasant Valley's Quinn Vice looks for an open teammate during the first half of Monday's Class 5A quarterfinal in Des Moines. Vice and the Spartans improved to 24-0 with a 43-28 triumph.
