Man Murdered Family to Inherit Grain Elevator

Convicted in killing of sisters, parents
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted May 25, 2007 10:13 AM CDT
Man Murdered Family to Inherit Grain Elevator
Shawn Bentler reacts to his testimony as he takes the stand in his defense for the murders of the his parents and three sisters, in this May 11, 2007, file photo at the Van Buren County Courthouse in Keosauqua, Iowa. Bentler, 23, was found guilty on Thursday, May 24, 2007, of killing his parents and...   (Associated Press)

Shawn Bentley was found guilty yesterday of killing his parents and teenage sisters in order to inherit his parents' successful grain elevator and lumberyard business in Bonaparte, Iowa. The prosecution's key evidence was the recording of a 911 call by Shawn's sister, which ended with a scream of, "Shawn, no!" and a gunshot.

The 23-year-old, who denied he was the shooter, was unemployed with two children. Sentencing is scheduled for June 19; Bentley faces mandatory life sentences for his crimes. His defense had focused on the affectionate bond he felt with his family; on the stand, he described holding his sisters at their births. (More Shawn Bentley stories.)

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