Winters Sentenced to Life, Avoids Death Penalty

Michael Shane Winters, escorted by Deputy Zachary Johnston, arrives for sentencing Friday at Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville. Winters was convicted Thursday in the 2009 murders of Louise Bishop and Christina Bishop.
Michael Shane Winters, escorted by Deputy Zachary Johnston, arrives for sentencing Friday at Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville. Winters was convicted Thursday in the 2009 murders of Louise Bishop and Christina Bishop.

A Benton County jury recommended Michael Shane Winters serve two consecutive life sentences without the chance of parole for his role in a double murder in 2009.

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SUBMITTED PHOTO (FROM FAMILY) Louise Bishop, 81 (left) and Christina Bishop, 40. unknown date when photo was taken.

The jury returned its verdict early Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty. Winters also received two life sentences for aggravated robbery.

Winters, 30, was found guilty last week of two counts of capital murder and two counts of aggravated robbery in the killings of Louise Bishop and Christina Bishop, 40.

Nicholas Johansen, 20, also was arrested in connection with the women’s death. Johansen is Christina Bishop’s son and the grandson of Louise Bishop. Johansen’s trial on the same charges is set to begin Jan. 18.

The Bishops were reported missing June 21, 2009. They were last seen at Sam’s Club in Bentonville. Their bodies were found Feb. 16, 2010, in a grave at 15226 Sugar Creek Road, between Garfield and Avoca, according court documents.

Police believe the women were killed June 18, 2009, at their Bentonville home on Southeast J Street.

Winters later led police to the two bodies.

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