By David Lohr

January 22, 2007

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KEOSAUQUA,  Iowa (Crime Library) — On Friday, January 19, 2007, District Court Judge Michael R. Mullins granted Shawn Bentler's request to waive his right to a jury trial.  Instead of having a jury decide his culpability, he has now placed his fate in the hands of Judge Mullins, who has been assigned to handle all aspects of the case. 

On Oct. 14, 2006, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department received an emergency 911 call at 3:38 a.m. from the Bentler residence at 23894 Hawk Drive.  The caller, who identified herself as 14-year-old Shayne Bentler,

told the dispatcher her brother "was going to do something."  She also said her mother was yelling, "No, Shawn, don't do it."  The dispatcher then heard a loud noise in the background, consistent with a gun discharging.  Moments later, the caller screamed, "Shawn, no!" and the line went dead.

Deputy Sheriff Rob Caviness and two other deputies arrived approximately 15 minutes later.  Once inside the residence, they discovered the bodies of Michael J. Bentler, 53; his wife, Sandra, 47; and their three daughters - Sheena, 17, Shelby, 15, and Shayne, 14. 

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Contact  David Lohr at           pa_crime_writer@velocity.net

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