A Parsons couple is one step closer to learning their sentences for their roles in the April 2023 shooting death of Dakota Patton.

 

Clint and Kim Nibarger were both arrested in May 2023 in connection to the death of the 23-year-old Patton. They were each initially charged with first-degree murder in the case, but since that time, both have taken plea deals for amended charges.

 

Kim Nibarger was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and obstruction.

 

Clint Nibarger entered a guilty plea in October to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. He also appeared in court this week, but argued that - as a part of his plea deal – he did not want to spend more than 24 years in prison. That term was not agreed to by the court, causing his sentencing to be rescheduled.

 

Dakota Patton was found shot to death in a field northeast of Parsons in rural Neosho County on May 8, 2023.

 

Dakota Patton