Underwood files Alford Plea

CODY (WNE) —  A last-minute change of plea in the Joseph Carl Underwood case could bring an end to his three-year Park County trial.

Last Friday, Underwood submitted an Alford Plea to all four charges he is facing for his alleged transportation and disposal of a body south of Cody. His trial has faced significant delays as questions surrounding his mental ability to stand trial have been raised. He has been detained in the Park County Detention Center since July of 2022.

An Alford Plea allows defendants to enter a guilty plea while still maintaining their innocence. As a result of Underwood’s change of plea, his October 1 jury trial will now be a sentencing hearing.

Underwood is currently facing four charges related to the alleged murder of Angela Elizondo in Cheyenne and transportation and disposal of her body south of Cody off of the Meeteetse Highway. He initially faced a murder charge in Laramie County; however, that case was dismissed in June 2022 after the court determined he was mentally unfit to stand trial.

The four charges include two felonies — mutilation of a dead body and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon —  as well as two misdemeanors.  They carry a maximum penalty of 14 years and six months of jail time.

This story was published on Sept. 8, 2025.