Bibler Found Guilty Of Second Degree Murder Of His Sister
(Le Mars) — After more than two and a half years, Thomas Bibler of Le Mars was found guilty today of murder in the second degree of stabbing to death 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 not guilty of going armed with intent.
Neary dismissed the Defendant’s claim that Phil Bogh, the husband of Shannon Bogh was no 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.
Governor Kim Reynolds Gives Inauguration Address
(Des Moines) — Governor Kim Reynolds took the oath of office earlier this morning, marking the first female governor of Iowa elected to office.
During her inaugural address, Reynolds says her goal over the next four years will be to both “preserve” the state’s small town values — and “ignite” a renaissance in rural areas the will keep young people here. During her Inaugural Address this morning — Reynolds described Iowa as “one big small town.”
Reynolds warned social media is making too many Americans — and Iowans — feel “powerless.” She asked Iowans to set aside their smart phones and devote less time to political arguments online.
(photo contributed)
Iowa Reports Lowest Unemployment Rate In The Nation
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa’s unemployment rate remained at a national low of 2.4 percent in December.
Iowa Workforce Development reported Friday that the rate didn’t change as the number of unemployed resident remained at an estimated 40,600. The number of residents with jobs rose slightly to 1,651,300.
Iowa’s rate compared to the national December rate of 3.9 percent. Iowa had the nation’s lowest unemployment rate, ahead of the 2.5 percent rates in Hawaii and New Hampshire.
It was the third straight month that Iowa had a 2.4 percent rate.
Former Jailer Pleads Not Guilty To Assaulting Inmate
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A former jailer accused of assaulting a Polk County Jail inmate has pleaded not guilty.
Polk County court records say 45-year-old Jason Herndon entered the plea last week to an assault charge. His next court hearing is scheduled for Feb. 14. The records say the inmate suffered a small cut on the inside of his lip Dec. 3.
The Des Moines Register reports that Herndon quit his job after being placed on leave.
The inmate told investigators that Herndon was cursing at inmates and calling them names that day. The inmate says that when he protested, Herndon entered his cell and choked him.
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