Prosecution rests, judge visits crime scene Thursday
Associated Press contributed to this report.
Shawn Bentler's grandmother took the stand to defend her grandson on the fourth day of the Bentler murder trial in Iowa.
Earlier Thursday morning the prosecution rested after calling the attorney for the Bentler family estate, Curtis Dial, to the stand. Dial told the court that under Iowa law, if convicted of the murders of his parents and three sisters, Shawn Bentler would not be entitled to any of the Bentler's $2.8 million inheritence.
Bentler's two daughters, however, would be eligible.
After the prosecution rested, the defense asked for Bentler's acquittal. Judge Michael Mullins denied the request.
One of the witnesses called by the defense was Sandra Bentler's mother and Shawn's grandmother, Julia Mendez. She testified that her grandson was always a good boy growing up.
Later Thursday afternoon Judge Mullins will travel to the crime scene. Attorneys will not be allowed to point out specifics at the scene, and the media will not be allowed to join the trip to the family home in Bonaporte, Iowa.
The defense is expected to continue and possible wrap up its case Friday. Judge Mullins will be required to write a formal ruling which he will announce publicly, but probably not until next week.
Quincy police officers testified for the defense about their part in Bentler's arrest in Quincy. Eric Johnson, a QPD patrolman, arrested Bentler for a warrant on the morning of Oct. 14 and asked Shawn Bentler if he had the money to post bond. Bentler replied, according to Johnson, "I'm going to call my parents.''
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KEOSAUQUA, Iowa (AP) - The defense is accusing investigators in the first-degree murder trial of Shawn Bentler of not looking for other suspects.
The Quincy, Ill., man is charged with killing his parents and his three sisters in their home in Bonaparte last October. Prosecutors say Bentler killed his family over money.
The defense contends Bentler was at home at the time of the slayings. A roommate testified today that he saw Bentler a couple of hours before and a few hours after the killings. His lawyers say he wouldn't have time to travel from Illinois to his parents' home.
Bentler's grandmother, Julia Mendez, who was called as a character witness, says Shawn was never a mean child and was "always polite."
The defense will continue calling witnesses tomorrow. This afternoon, the judge hearing the case is touring the crime scene.