By David Lohr
(Continued)
The following morning, Shawn Bentler was arrested at his apartment in Illinois on unrelated drug charges. He was later charged with five counts of first-degree murder and was extradited back to Iowa.
"After full and fair consideration, I am firmly convinced there is no reasonable doubt that on October 14th, 2006, you, Shawn Michael Bentler, are the person who shot and killed each of the victims," Judge Mullins said as he read the verdict. "Accordingly I find you, Shawn Michael Bentler, guilty of murder in the first degree as alleged in the trial information as to count one, as to count two, as to count three, as to count four, as to count five."
 |
| Shawn Bentler in Court |
Following the hearing, Bentler's attorney's read from a prepared statement:
"This has been a very difficult time for me and I'm sure all my relatives," Bentler said in the statement. "I particularly appreciate the support of my family members who have continued to visit me during these stressful months ... I continue to assert my innocence and I believe that the circumstantial evidence against me was very weak."
 |
| Shawn Bentler |
"[Bentler] will get life without parole on each of the counts," Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown told The Ottumwa Courier after the verdict was read. "The only discretion the judge has is whether the sentences run consecutively or concurrently."
Bentler's attorneys have already announced he will be appealing the verdict. His sentencing is set for June 19.
Previous Page
Authorities Seized Guns and Ammunition from Bentler Family Home
A Judge Will Determine Shawn Bentler's Fate
Shawn Bentler Extradited to Iowa, Family Laid to Rest
Shawn Bentler Allegedly Murders his Entire Family
For More Daily Crime News
default
increase
decrease
email
print
