An Iowa man will spend life behind bars, following the death of a 17-year-old Farnhamville girl.
The Des Moines Register reported that on Friday, Judge Derek Johnson sentenced Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney, 22, of Gowrie, to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Following a two-day trial this summer, Bevers-McGivney was found guilty of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse for the stabbing death of Michele Jackson, according to Court TV.
During sentencing Friday, the judge referred to Bevers-McGivney’s crimes as “pure evil” and stated, “There is nothing about this case that warrants any sign of leniency from this court.”
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police discovered Jackson’s body near a farm field in Calhoun County after they searched a bloody area not far from a city park.
Bevers-McGivney reportedly slit the teen’s throat in Farnhamville on September 25, 2024, a day before police discovered her body.
Jackson’s family had been searching for the teen when they reportedly encountered Bevers-McGivney, covered in blood, with some of Jackson’s possessions.
He requested a lawyer after police questioned him about the blood on his clothing.
When police searched Bevers-McGivney’s apartment, court documents showed they found a knife handle matted with hair and blood. They also found traces of blood were found on the floors, bathtub, and a towel.
Bevers-McGivney reportedly knew of Jackson through the community, but the pair did not have a prior relationship, according to the defense.
The victim’s family said she had been visiting the park that day, and when they later found the defendant, he was pushing the green scooter that Jackson had taken to the park.
The defense unsuccessfully argued that the killing was spontaneous and did not constitute first-degree premeditated murder. Rather, they pushed for a second-degree murder conviction.
The prosecution argued that he went to the park with a knife, with the intent to cause harm, which constituted the evidence needed for a first-degree murder conviction.
Jackson’s mother’s sobbed during a victim impact statement during sentencing, saying, “My daughter paid the price for your life’s holes. She was bullied, went through mental health struggles, and wanted to make a better life. You wanted to take a life.”
Jackson’s sister, Shawna Bachman, said, “As Michele’s big sister, it haunts me that I wasn’t able to protect her from you, that I wasn’t there when it mattered most.
“Not only did you take her life, but you took her family’s too. Our lives now have a giant piece missing, and we will never be whole again.”
In addition to life in prison, Bevers-McGivney received an additional 10 years, which will run consecutively.
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[Feature Photo: Michele Jackson/Family Handout]
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Author: Shanon Quaranta, Contributor
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