Man Charged in Girl’s Death
A registered sex offender accused in the abduction and slaying of a 10-year-old girl was charged Monday with first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Roger Paul Bentley, 37, would face life in prison if convicted. Bail was set at $1 million on each count.
Authorities accused Bentley of taking Jetseta Gage from her home in Cedar Rapids on Thursday night. Police said Jetseta’s 7-year-old brother saw her get into a truck with Bentley, minutes after the children’s grandmother told them it was about time to go to bed.
Police acting on a tip reportedly found Bentley and the girl’s body Friday in an abandoned mobile home in a rural area. He appeared to have bloodstains on his clothing, and evidence suggested that the girl was sexually abused, according to court documents.
Bentley had been at the Gages’ house Thursday night, replacing the transmission in the family’s minivan.
The girl’s mother, Trena Gage, said she had met Bentley through his younger brother, James, whom she had dated about five years before.
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