Bibler Takes The Witness Stand In Murder Trial
(Le Mars) — In the Thomas Bibler murder trial, the defense called for the defendant, Thomas Bibler to take the stand. The Defense is working on the premise that Bibler had taken some Ambien, which is used as a sleeping pill for insomnia. Earlier testimony by a defense witness indicated for some people who use Ambien they don’t have any recollection of their actions. Defense attorney Billy Oyadare questioned Bibler about the medications he had taken during the Saturday, June 11th of 2016, the day of the stabbing incident.
The defense attorney continued his questions relating to the drug Ambien.
Plymouth County Attorney Darrin Raymond then cross-examined Bibler.
Trial has been suspended. The prosecutor’s office may yet call
another witness, however, that witness is not available at this time. No date has been scheduled at this time for when the trial will continue.
Memo Shows Lottery Tickets Security Is Questioned
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A newly unsealed memo shows the Iowa Lottery kept marketing four popular games despite an August 2015 warning from its security chief that their integrity was compromised.
Steve Bogle, its vice president of security, recommended that the lottery immediately suspend sales of Hot Lotto, Pick 3, Pick 4 and All or Nothing. He told CEO Terry Rich, “we cannot allow the citizens of Iowa to continue playing these games.”
Bogle’s recommendation followed an independent audit of the Multi-State Lottery Association, which ran the games using random number generators.
The audit remains secret. But Bogle’s memo says it identified a lack of security protocols and oversight that undermined their integrity.
A lottery spokeswoman says Rich rejected Bogle’s recommendation after speaking with the audit’s author, who said there were potential vulnerabilities but no evidence of ongoing manipulation.
The memo became public after a judge granted The Des Moines Register’s request for its release in an ongoing lawsuit.
Driver Takes Plea Deal After Passenger Dies From Drowning
DELHI, Iowa (AP) – A driver whose passenger drowned after the vehicle they were in broke through ice in eastern Iowa has taken a plea deal. Delaware County District Court records say 37-year-old Joshua Juengel, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and leaving the crash scene. Prosecutors dropped related charges in exchange for Juengel’s
pleas.
A witness spotted Juengel’s vehicle doing doughnuts on the ice before it plunged into the frigid water of Lake Delhi on Jan. 8. The body of 23- year-old Alex Salow was found in the vehicle.
The deal includes a recommendation that Juengel be given 10 years in prison and be required to serve at least seven years before becoming eligible for parole. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 21.
Trial Scheduled For Second Defendant In Fort Dodge Woman’s Slaying
CLARE, Iowa (AP) – A trial has been scheduled for the second defendant in the slaying of a Fort Dodge woman.
The Messenger reports that Phillip Williams, of Lafayette, Indiana, on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder. He and Mackenzie Knigge are accused of killing 26-year-old Jessica Gomez, on or about Aug. 5 last year in Knigge’s apartment in Clare. Williams’ trial is set to begin Sept. 11.
Knigge and Gomez, who were once described as friends, were publicly reported missing on Aug. 9, 2017. Knigge was arrested with Williams on Aug. 10 in Lafayette, Indiana. Gomez’s burned body was found in a ditch near Clare on Aug. 12.
Knigge also has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge. Her trial is scheduled to start Nov. 26.
—
