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Accused Family Killer Wants Evidence Thrown Out

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Accused Family Killer Wants Evidence Thrown Out

By Scott Sanborn

Story Created: Mar 26, 2007 at 6:10 AM CST

Story Updated: Mar 26, 2007 at 2:42 PM CST

AP- Shawn Bentler's attorneys want the judge in his murder trial to toss out a key piece of evidence. They also named a witness the defense says will place Bentler in Illinois an hour and a half before the killings.

Hearings on the motions are scheduled for Thursday in Keosauqua.

Shawn Bentler faces five counts of murder in the deaths of his parents, Michael and Sandra Bentler and his three teenage sisters,
Sheena, Shelby and ShaynDe. His trial is set for May.

Court papers filed last week include a motion to suppress the 911 recording made the night of the murders. Authorities pointed to the call, made by ShaynDe Bentler, when they announced the murder charges last October. Bentlers attorneys say ShanyDes call is hearsay. They say that at least some of the statements or information appears to have been relayed to her from her mother.

The defense also appears ready to raise questions about Bentler's ability to get to Van Buren County to commit the murders.

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