Comments on: Thriller Thursday: Murder in Southeast Iowa

By: Sluggo

Sluggo — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:43:24 +0000

The other witness referenced ended up acquiring A LOT of money from the Bentler estate as a result of the son’s conviction.

You know, I never followed this case in the news when it happened. I didn’t want that kind of morbid negativity in my head. Trusted that the system would do the right thing. Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t. I’m telling you, though…something about this situation really stinks.

By: Sluggo

Sluggo — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:29:07 +0000

On the other hand, one of the prosecution witnesses referenced above was heard bragging a few years later about giving false testimony against Bentler at the original trial. “He didn’t say that stuff. I said he did because I knew he did it, and I didn’t want him to get away with it.” I heard this myself. None of the authorities I have tried to report this to have ever deigned to acknowledge my contact or return a call. This includes the Van Buren County Attorney.

I don’t know if Bentler is guilty or not. If he is, I think the case could have been made without resort to perjury. I’m an Iowan. We’re supposed to be better than that here, right?

By: v. buchanan

v. buchanan — Mon, 03 Nov 2014 02:37:41 +0000

Very interesting and ver sad. I can’t understand people likethis. I can comprehend (kinda) heat of the moment actions but not cold-blooded murder.

By: Benita Pekel

Benita Pekel — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 14:14:35 +0000

there was a similar family murder in Dalton mi involved young and friends

By: Mr. J

Mr. J — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 01:56:48 +0000

It’s human nature to try & come up with logical reasons why someone would act in such an illogical way. But sometimes there is no logical reason. Those most likely to shed some light are the ones that were killed. Perhaps other relatives, such as grandparents, have some ideas, but they may have been sheltered from all that was going on. Sounds like he had pretty long list of failures in his life. I guess this was just one more (and the worst) failure to do the right thing. I grew up in Jefferson County Iowa, about half an hour’s drive from this area, but I was not familiar with the family. Human behavior and the mind is one area of study that still remains largely unexplored & not well understood, even by the experts. Someday we may understand such things, but it makes no sense today. A young man with everything to be happy about – good looking, coming from a wealthy family with lots of opportunity (I would have given anything to have had the opportunities in life that this idiot just peed down a rat-hole), healthy (at least physically), two daughters, and yet, his answer is to murder his family & spend the rest of his life in prison. There’s no logic in that.

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 19:07:39 +0000

In reply to Angela.

Angela,

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It’s always interesting – and heartbreaking – to hear from someone on the criminal’s side, because those lives often get overlooked in the aftermath. It’s got to be nearly as hard on his family and friends as it is the victims.

I do understand your being angry at yourself, but you can’t carry the blame. This is one of those cases where no one could truly imagine what Shawn was capable of.

Thanks

By: Angela

Angela — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:52:44 +0000

I knew Shawn. He was funny, smart, and just a really good guy. When I heard about this, we were all incredibly shocked. It really didn’t seem like something he would do. Someone mentioned him not being bright, which wasn’t true. He was not a genius, but he was far from a moron.
We met through mutual friends, and immediately clicked. We shared our thoughts, dreams, and ambitions. He spoke fondly of his family, with the exception of his father, whom he rarely mentioned. The only clue I had that he was sad was a dark discussion after a night of drinking and post intercourse. It wasn’t violent talk, but very morose and depressing. Mostly about his children.
When I moved, I vowed to stay in touch, and let life get in the way. Three months later, I got a phone call from my best friend telling me the news. My heart still aches for his family, but I still don’t understand. I’m furious at him for what he did and at my self for not keeping in touch.

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:58:33 +0000

In reply to alexandra. Wow, that is crazy. I didn't know him or the family, but my parents knew of them. And no, you don't. Very scary. Thanks for stopping by.

By: alexandra

alexandra — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:29:37 +0000

Crazy…I knew him and Keith and Nathan about 6 months before the murders… you never really know a person…

By: Stacy Green

Stacy Green — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:54:42 +0000

In reply to Missy.

Hi there. Where do you live? I grew up in Van Buren county so this was a huge shock. Things like that just don’t happen around there, do they. Yes, it would be hard to be their mother, and I feel sorry for the girls having to grow up with that stigma on their back. Yes, big threat to Shawn in Ft Madison but after what he did it’s hard for me to feel sorry for him.

Wow on your first responder story. I can only imagine. What a horrible memory to have to live with. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story.