Bentler Appears In Iowa Court

By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter

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By Steve Nicoles

Story Created: Oct 17, 2006 at 4:06 PM CST

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2006 at 5:31 PM CST

VAN BUREN COUNTY - Shawn Bentler now knows he could spend the rest of his life in prison. The 22-year old made his first Iowa court appearance Tuesday morning. He faces five first degree murder charges for the deaths of his family in southeast Iowa over the weekend.

It was an emotional morning in court. The tears and hugs did not stop in the Van Buren County courthouse. About two dozen family members filled the courtroom to hear the charges against their relative, Shawn Bentler. He is facing five first degree murder charges for allegedly killing five members of his family, including his parents Mike and Sandra and three sisters, Sheena, Shelby and Shayne.

Tuesday’s court appearance was the first chance for other family to look at the man who might have shot five people early Saturday morning. Spokeswoman for the family Emily Blomme said, “They have nothing to say, I mean this is an extremely difficult for them."

Bentler was visibly shaken and fought back tears as he heard the judge list the charges and name his parents and sisters. Others could not hold back the tears. Bentler's bond remained at $2.5 million. Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown asked the judge to require cash to pay the bond. He said, “There are five separate homicides, five separate murders that have been committed and it is the state's position that Shawn Bentler is too dangerous to be at large."

A pre-trial hearing is set for October 26th, but the prosecution is planning to file some paperwork which should essentially wipe out the need for that hearing.

Funeral arrangements are now complete. A visitation will take place for the Bentler family Wednesday evening from five to eight. And the funeral will be Thursday morning at ten. Both will be at Harmony High School near Bonaparte.

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