Idaho Briefs December 19, 2010

Woman sentenced in stabbing death

CALDWELL - A 47-year-old southwestern Idaho woman who stabbed to death her 66-year-old roommate was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Sherryl Sasenbery of Caldwell was sentenced Friday in Third District Court and must serve at least 10 years before she is eligible for parole.

Sasenbery pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September.

Authorities said that in June 2009 she bludgeoned Walter Lisenbee with a paperweight, stabbed him multiple times and then slit his throat.

Police said Sasenbery told investigators that Lisenbee had stolen $6,500 from her.

Judge recused from school case

BLACKFOOT - A southeastern Idaho judge has recused himself from a case involving five former Blackfoot High School athletes because he knows one of the families involved.

The Idaho State Journal reported the decision by Magistrate Judge Ryan Boyer in a story published Saturday.

Nathan Walker, Anthony Clarke, Logan Chidester and Tyson Katseanes, all 19, were charged with various misdemeanors and felony counts of forcible sexual penetration using a foreign object. They are scheduled to appear in 7th District Court on Dec. 23.

A juvenile also faces charges.

Police said the incidents took place between Dec. 2, 2009, and Feb. 28 at the school's locker room and on a bus, and involved multiple victims.

On Thursday, Magistrate Charles L. Roos approved a no contact order prosecutors requested prohibiting the defendants from having contact with the alleged victims or witnesses.

- The Associated Press