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Shawn Bentler will spend the rest of his life in prison for the murders of his parents and three little sisters.

Today the judge sentenced Shawn Bentler to four concurrent life sentences for the murders of Mike Bentler and his three daughters Sheena, Shelby and Shayne.

He was also sentenced to a consecutive life sentence for the murder of Shawn's Mother...Sandra Bentler.  The concurrent life sentences can be served at the same time.  The Consecutive life sentence means Shawn Bentler is sentenced to two lifetimes in prison specifically because of the brutality involved in his mother's death.  After shooting Sandra Bentler once, she pleaded with him saying," Shawn don't," as is heard on the 9-1-1 tape.  Blood trails  show she was trying to get away, warning her children as she stumbled through the home before she was shot the last time.

Judge Michale Mullins said, "I find in particular the killing of your mother was absolutely merciless."

Shawn Bentler is now in the hands of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

You also might remember we told you last week Bentler had requested a new trial.  Judge Michael Mullins struck down that request during the hearing today.

Bentler now has 30 days to appeal.  By the way, Iowa does not have the death penalty so the life sentence is the most he can get.

Shawn Bentler didn't just face the judge today.  He faced his family.  During the sentencing, close family members were allowed to address Shawn and the court about their loss.

Julie Bentler, Sister of Victim Mike Bentler said, "I will never understand how you could look each of them in their eyes and do this. Your mother begging you "Shawn don't," and you pulling the trigger and killing her anyway. I'm not sure God will forgive you for that."

Shawn Bentler starred straight ahead...rarely meeting the gaze of family members as they explained their sadness and anger over the loss of their family.

Darlene Bentler, Mother of Victim Mike Bentler said, "He looks innocent but he's a cold blooded killer."

Lisa Simmons, Sister of Victim Mike Bentler said, "I think you will be tormented for the rest of your life on earth and what lies ahead. I'd like to believe people pay dearly for their sins and you are treated in life as you treat others so Shawn....God help you, you'll need it."

Others hoped he would admit pulling the trigger last October.

Marty Mendez, Brother of Victim Sandra Bentler said, "Right now is the time you need to own up to what you've done. It's time to be a man."

Other like Julia Mendez offered forgiveness.

Mendez, Mother of Victim Sandra Bentler said, "I love you Shawn and will pray for your always."

But everyone who spoke gave Shawn a very real picture about the pain and loss that came with pulling the trigger.

Gregg Bentler, Brother of Victim Mike Bentler said, "They built a successful business. That sadly ultimately got him and his lovely wife and children killed by his own son's greed for money."

Chris Mendez, Sister of Victim Sandra Bentler said, "I hate that when I want to talk to my sister I have to go to the cemetery.

Here at the Bonaparte Cemetery....The Bentler family lies at rest.  The faces of this beloved family look out from these headstones...

Family members say even with the trying times this trial has brought to the family, it helps to be able to visit and see their smiles...the way they were before that terrible night.

Because of his 2 consecutive life sentences, Shawn Bentler will never visit his family here at the Bonaparte Cemetery. He will however come here later on when his sentence is served and he is laid to rest with the rest of his family here at the Bentler Family burial plot.

When the judge sentenced Bentler, he also awarded 750 thousand dollars in restitution to the victims.   Some of that money will now go into the Bentler's estate.  The rest will go to Shawn Bentler's two children.