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Hobbs To Spend Life In Prison

Tyler Hobbs, 26, after being convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Iowa District Court
Tyler Hobbs, 26, after being convicted of 1st Degree Murder in Iowa District Court

Tyler Hobbs, 26, of Saint Francisville, MO will spend the rest of his life in an Iowa prison.  He was found guilty of 1st Degree Murder in late February in the Nov. 6, 2010 death of Shawn Wright, 40, of Kahoka, MO.

District Judge Mary Ann Brown handed down the sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole on March 23.

Hobbs arrived for sentencing in the 2nd floor courtroom of the South Lee County Courthouse wearing a jail-issued red t-shirt and pants along with handcuffs and leg irons.  He cracked a smile as he entered the room before sitting down and facing Brown.

Hobbs’ lawyers argued for a new trial prior to the sentencing.  They said the testimony of the lone witness to the crime was “filled with inconsistencies” and was “incredible in nature.”

Kimberly Jaeger was granted immunity for her testimony that Hobbs killed Wright.

Judge Brown denied the request.  She cited the amount of physical evidence against Hobbs as well as his connection to Shawn Wright’s body.

Authorities say Hobbs struck Wright multiple times with a small mallet after they stopped at an abandoned farmhouse in rural Lee County, following a trip to Keokuk to purchase drugs.

Hobbs admitted to dumping the body at Gregory Landing, MO, where it was found several days later during his testimony.  He also said it was Jaeger, though, who killed Wright.

Hobbs’ sentence also includes $150,000 to Shawn Wright’s two teenage children and money for court costs and lawyer fee.  Assistant Lee County Attorney Bruce McDonald says Hobbs will be have the opportunity to make a minimal amount of money through prison duties, which would go to his payments.

Hobbs has the right to appeal his conviction to the Iowa Supreme Court.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.