Last week, Bryan Tullock admitted to murdering Casagrand in 2006 in Montgomery County and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Tullock killed Casagrand and wounded two other people in a shooting rampage in Montgomery City. More than two years following the murder and just four days before his jury trial was set to begin, Tullock, 35, of St. Peters, withdrew an earlier plea and pleaded guilty to 11 felony counts. He was sentenced on charges of first-degree murder, five counts of armed criminal action, first-degree burglary, two counts of first-degree assault of a police officer and two counts of first-degree assault. At last week's hearing, Tullock waived formal sentencing and received eight life sentences and two 15-year sentences for assault and burglary from 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Keith Sutherland. The case was moved to Warren County on a change of venue. The incident occurred in Montgomery County during the early-morning hours of June 2, 2006. According to court documents, Tullock had been pulled over in Montgomery City for running a stop sign at 12:05 a.m. As officers approached the vehicle, he began firing at both policemen and wounded one. He fled the scene and went to a residence at 602 Salisbury St. where he fatally shot Casagrand, the best friend of Tullock's ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Gamache. He also shot at David McManus, Casagrand's husband. Tullock then drove to 619 Curd St. where he confronted three occupants of the house on the front porch. He shot Ricky Fry multiple times, authorities said. Tullock was apprehended later that morning at the Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area near the Montgomery and Audrain County line. Family and friends remembered Casagrand as a "loving mother, a wonderful wife, an awesome daughter and a wonderful friend." Her mother, Donna Schroder, said she always wanted a daughter when Heidi was born and was proud to see her complete the necessary exams to begin attending college. "The person I need the most right now in my life is Heidi," said Schroder, fighting through tears. "I don't have her to talk to. She gave me hope when I had none. She gave me love unconditionally." Gamache, the mother of Tullock's two children and Casagrand's best friend, recalled their first encounter in fourth grade and knew at the time they would be friends forever. Gamache said she now writes letters to Casagrand. "For you to do this, this was a senseless and selfish act," she said sobbing in Tullock's direction. "Some people say she was an angel sent from God and I honestly believe it and everybody believes it. For three years I have hated you for what you've done. Every night when I go to sleep, she visits me and tells me everything is going to be fine. She can't wait for you so she can have a conversation on why you did this." The two individuals who were shot by Tullock and survived spoke during the court proceedings. Tullock shot Fry at least eight times, according to Elliott. Fry had known Casagrand and Gamache since elementary school, but only had one previous encounter with Tullock when he helped move Gamache's belongings following a breakup. "He took it upon himself to play God, thinking he was better than everybody else," Fry said. "He gave everything up." Brandon LyBarger, who was shot four times, is still employed as a Montgomery City police officer. Lee Elliott, Montgomery County interim prosecuting attorney, commended an O'Fallon woman who wished to remain anonymous for notifying authorities after remembering that Tullock bought ammunition at a local Wal-Mart at 11:20 p.m. on June 1. Tullock was en route to Montgomery City, Elliott said. "Without this citizen's keen observations and willingness to get involved, we might not have had enough evidence of premeditation," he explained. Scott Rosenblum, who represented Tullock along with Brad Kessler and Eric Selig, said they preferred their client not speak during last week's proceedings. Afterward, he acknowledged Tullock was "remorseful" for the rampage. "He didn't want to put the victims through the stress and pain for a trial," Rosenblum said. "We all obviously understood what the evidence was. The evidence was overwhelming. We wanted to be in the best position to save his life." The jury trial was slated to begin Monday with jurors to be brought in from Platte County. Tullock only made brief eye contact with family and friends of the victims as they spoke. It wasn't until the end he acknowledged their presence. As Tullock was being escorted out of the courtroom for the final time, he glanced at Schroder and mouthed the words, "I'm sorry." She bowed and shook her head.