Le Mars, Iowa — No new trial, and a 50-year prison sentence. That was the decision of Judge Jeffrey Neary in the case of a Le Mars man who stabbed his sister to death in 2016.
Court records indicate 36-year-old Thomas Bibler of Le Mars (who was 34 at the time) was taken into custody following a fatal stabbing that happened the evening of Saturday, June 11, 2016. Bibler was accused of fatally stabbing his 27-year-old sister, Shannon Bogh. Witnesses to the stabbing identified Bibler as the suspect.
Bibler entered a plea of not guilty to the charges of First Degree Murder, Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, and Going Armed With Intent over two years ago. His attorney, Billy Oyadare of Sioux City had recently filed a motion for a new trial, which was denied at the sentencing hearing. However, the sentence may be appealed.
Part of Bibler’s defense was that he had taken the prescription sleep aid Ambien before the stabbing.
Along with a 50-year prison term, 70 percent of which (or 35 years) must be served as a mandatory minimum, Neary also sentenced Bibler to pay $150,000 in restitution to the Bogh estate, court and attorney costs. Bibler will receive credit for time served.
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Original story posted Feb 21, 2019 at 3:54 p.m.:
Le Mars, Iowa — A northwest Iowa man who was accused of allegedly stabbing his sister in 2016, and was recently found guilty in a bench trial, has filed a motion for a new trial.
Court records indicate 36-year-old Thomas Bibler of Le Mars (who was 34 at the time) was taken into custody following a fatal stabbing that happened the evening of Saturday, June 11, 2016. Bibler was accused of fatally stabbing his 27-year-old sister, Shannon Bogh. Witnesses to the stabbing identified Bibler as the suspect.
Bibler entered a plea of not guilty to the charges of First Degree Murder, Willful Injury Causing Serious Injury, and Going Armed With Intent over two years ago. His attorney, Billy Oyadare of Sioux City filed the motion for a new trial.
Sentencing in the case had been scheduled for Friday, February 22nd before District Court Judge Jeffrey Neary. While Second Degree Murder is one of the class B felonies, which usually carry a penalty of 25 years in prison, Second Degree Murder carries a special penalty of up to 50 years in prison.
Part of Bibler’s defense was that he had taken the prescription sleep aid Ambien before the stabbing.
