Thomas Bibler of Le Mars is shown being led into the Plymouth County District Courthouse.
(Le Mars) — After more than two and a half years, Thomas Bibler of Le Mars was found guilty of murder in the second degree of killing his sister Shannon Bogh. The incident occurred on June 11, 2016 when Bibler had stabbed his sister. Judge Jeff Neary handed down the verdict Friday morning at the Plymouth County District Courthouse. Bibler, age 36, was found not
guilty of willful injury and of going armed with intent.
Neary dismissed the Defendant’s claim that Phil Bogh, the husband of Shannon Bogh was in any way responsible for the death of Shannon.
Judge Neary explained that the presented evidence did not conclude to a charge of first degree murder.
Bibler’s defense stated he didn’t recall the specific incident from that June summer evening of 2016 because he had taken the drug Ambian, which is a sleeping aid, and in some cases, causes people to suffer a temporary memory loss. Neary believes that Bibler did kill his sister, and explains why it fell under a second degree murder charge.
Neary continues to explain his reasons for the verdict.
While Judge Neary read the verdicts, Bibler sat still, next to his defense attorney, and did not show any emotion. Likewise, family members of Shannon Bogh, including her husband Phil, also displayed no emotion. Sentencing for Bibler is scheduled for February 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Plymouth County District Courthouse. Second degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 50 years.
