Shawn Bentler, if Convicted, Ineligible for Inheritance

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By Cheri Strutt

Story Created: Oct 27, 2006 at 6:18 AM CST

Story Updated: Oct 27, 2006 at 8:30 AM CST

AP - A man accused of killing his parents and his three younger sisters in Bonaparte earlier this month will be ineligible for inheritance if he's convicted of their deaths.

Shawn Bentler is charged with five counts of first-degree murder. He's the sole heir of his parents' wealth.

According to state law, a person who intentionally and unjustifiably causes someone's death can't receive any property or benefit. The law says the inheritance must be passed on to other heirs.

If Bentler is convicted, it would mean possessions belonging to Sandra and Michael Bentler would fall to their two grandchildren -- Shawn Bentler's two children.

Meanwhile, investigators have seized as evidence the clothes Bentler was wearing when he was arrested in Quincy, Illinois, where
he lives.

According to a search warrant, the items include clothing, shoes, sunglasses, baseball cap, a wristwatch and a black belt.

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