Plea bargain struck in couple’s slaying

WALLACE, Idaho - The man who confessed to murdering a young North Idaho couple in August 2008 has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The defense in the case had asked for the minimum sentence of 10 years. The prosecution was seeking 20 years to life but the judge imposed the longer sentence. Jon Kienholz, also known locally as “Bubba,” made a plea deal for both counts of murder, under which the State would not seek the death penalty. The victims, 20-year old Neil Howard and 18-year old Cynthia Bewick, were found dead from gunshot wounds at the top of Dobson Pass on August 8. Police say both Bewick and Howard had been shot in the head. After an examination of the crime scene, authorities concluded the victims were killed in the same location they were discovered. Additional coverage on today’s development can be found at KHQ