PARSONS, Kan. — A jury found Clint Nibarger, 35, guilty of first-degree murder Friday in the 2023 shooting death of Dakota Patton. The trial began Monday, and a sentencing date had not been scheduled at the time of the report.
Authorities discovered Patton’s body May 8, 2023, in a field northeast of Parsons in rural Neosho County. The 23-year-old died from a gunshot wound.
Nibarger and his wife, Kimberly, were charged in connection with the killing. According to FourStatesHomepage, the couple shot Patton and left his body in the field before traveling to Miami to marry in an effort to avoid testifying against each other.
Clint Nibarger previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder but sought a prison term of no more than 24 years. After the court did not accept that agreement, he withdrew his plea and proceeded to a jury trial.
Kimberly Nibarger pleaded guilty in February 2025 to conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and obstructing prosecution. She was sentenced to just under 10 years in prison.
