Three men have been convicted in federal court in connection to the death of Tony “T-Bone” Canfield, who was shot to death during a robbery in Sioux City more than 5 years ago. 

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s office, 26-year-old Courtland Clark, 35-year-old Robert Beaver and 26-year-old Devery Hibbler were convicted of one count each of interference with commerce by robbery. Clark and Hibbler also pleaded guilty to one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death. 

According to court documents, the tree men entered Canfield’s home around 11:00 P.M. on May 1st, 2011 in order to rob him of his marijuana and cash. Authorities say that Beaver beat and held Canfield’s wife while Clark and Hibbler struggled and robbed Canfield. Canfield was able to resist them and attempted to escape by running out the front door. At his point Hibbler shot Canfield to death on his front porch. After escaping from the scene, the three concealed their crimes for nearly five years. 

Authorities say that Canfield was targeted because he was a marijuana dealer. Because his business was illegal and involved interstate commerce, federal prosecutors were able to claim jurisdiction in the case. 

United States Attorney Kevin Techau stated:
“This case is a fine example of persistence and cooperation by the Sioux City Police Department, Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite a number of obstacles along the way, these three agencies,along with the United States Attorney’s Office, never stopped working toward solving this murder, and bringing those responsible to justice,” U.S. Attorney Kevin Techau said. “This case gives notice to those who would commit acts of violence in our communities that no matter what the difficulties, and no matter how long it takes, we will investigate and prosecute such acts of violence to the full extent of the law.”

This case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a cooperative local, state and federal program aimed at the enhanced prosecution of gun crimes. The case was referred to the United States Attorney’s Office by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.

As part of their plea agreements, Hibbler has agreed to serve 35 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction and Beaver has agreed to serve 20 years in federal prison without the possibility of parole or the right to appeal his conviction.