The southeast Iowa native who was found guilty last month of killing his entire family is expected to appeal the verdict.
The 23-year-old convicted on five counts of first degree murder wants a new trial. Attorneys for Shawn Bentler filed paperwork seeking a new trial, which is the first step to an appeal.
On May 24th, District Court Judge Michael Mullins convicted Bentler for the shooting deaths of his parents and three teenage sisters at their rural Bonaparte home in October 2006.
The motion hearing is set for Tuesday in Van Buren County District Court, the same day as Bentler’s sentencing where 15 of his family members are expected to give victim impact statements.