TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A Tucson couple was sentenced Friday for their parts in a 2019 murder.
On Friday, Blane Barksdale was sentenced to 22 years in prison — with almost three years of credit for time served.
Later Friday, Susan Barksdale was sentenced to 5 years in prison with 2.8 years credit for time served.
In 2019, Frank Bligh disappeared following a fire at his house. His body wasn't located at the time, but police found his car. They ruled his death a homicide.
Tucson Police suspected Blane and Susan Barksdale but the couple went on the run . U.S. Marshals found and arrested them in upstate New York. They escaped a prisoner transport van that was bringing them back to Tucson. Marshals found and arrested them again in Punkin Center, Ariz. nearly two weeks later.
Later that year, suspect Brent Mallard pleaded guilty to arson charges in the burning of Bligh’s house. Blane and Susan pawned guns belonging to Bligh.
Blane Barksdale pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in December following Susan Barksdale's November manslaughter plea.
Before sentencing Friday Barksdale apologized to Frank Bligh's brother Skip who was in court by audio link.
Barksdales continued to say, “I would also like to say I’m sorry to my family, my wife, her family. I don’t know Mister Bligh if you knew Sue or not. She was very good friends with your brother. She’s not responsible for this. This was my actions, my actions alone.”
Part of Blane Barksdale’s plea agreement called for him to disclose where he put Frank Bligh’s remains. Tucson Police just released photos of the site in Gila County where Bligh was found late last year.
Judge Brenden Griffin sentenced Blane Barksdale to 22 years in prison, minus the nearly three years he’s already spent in jail.
In November, Susan Barksdale pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the disappearance of Bligh.
During sentencing Friday, Susan Barksdale’s attorney said she was influenced by fear of domestic violence from Blane. She told the judge Frank Bligh really was a dear friend.
“And I’m sorry I didn’t get help. I don’t see a day in my future when I won’t be afraid, or not sorry.”
Susan Barksdale will serve five years in prison for her guilty plea for manslaughter, minus the roughly three years she’s been in jail waiting for her case to wind up.
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Phil Villarreal is the senior real-time editor for KGUN 9. He is also a digital producer and host of "Phil on Film" seen weekly on Good Morning Tucson, Phil moved to KGUN after 17 years with the Arizona Daily Star. He is married and has four children. Share your story ideas and important issues with Phil by emailing phil.villarreal@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
